One character alone in frame, no other actor visible — typically close-up during dialogue. Focuses entirely on reaction and emotional state.
The single shot shows a person alone in the frame—without visible conversation partners or distracting supporting characters. On set, we often call this the "lonely close-up" because that's exactly what it achieves: narrowing the focus onto one person, isolating their reaction. This isn't just framing—it's a directorial decision that sets the emotional focus.
Practically, it works like this: you shoot the actors individually while the other is speaking on set—or later in the edit. The single shot documents the silent response, the inner conflict, the moment before someone can answer. This makes it the most important weapon against superficial acting. An actor knows that the camera ONLY sees them—they can't slack off. Every micro-twitch in their face becomes visible. In an alternating coverage system, you need at least two single shots to build a dialogue. One shows the speaker, the other the listener.
In the edit, single shots usually last 2–8 seconds, long enough for the viewer to read the inner reaction. Too short, and it feels rushed; too long, and it becomes uncomfortable. The lighting must be right—if the partner is sitting off-screen, you place a key light on the speaking person so that your single shot shows someone who is actually talking to someone. Otherwise, it looks like a monologue. With fewer faces in the frame, you can also work with tighter close-ups; the background becomes unimportant—soft focus (see also: depth of field) is your friend.
Single shots are also economically sensible. You need fewer extras, less set complexity. This is why indie films use them extensively. At the same time, the single shot demands better material, better actors—because nothing distracts from the performance anymore. In psychological dramas or interviews, single shots function almost like documentary style: pure observation. Some directors (Bresson, Haneke) construct entire scenes solely from single shots—this creates a peculiar, introverted energy.