The effect of an over-the-shoulder (OTS) shot in a scene can have several impacts:
1. Orientation: The OTS shot helps orient the viewer by showing the off-screen actor in the frame. This allows the audience to understand the spatial relationship between the characters and their positions in the scene.
2. Connection: The OTS shot suggests a connection or understanding between the characters in the scene. By framing the sequence from the perspective of one character, it creates a visual link between the two subjects and implies a shared perspective or emotional connection.
3. Emotional impact: The presence of the off-screen actor's shoulder in the frame can influence the viewer's perception of the on-screen actor's state of mind. It adds depth and emotional context to the shot, as the audience can see both actors in the frame and interpret their reactions and expressions.
4. Power dynamics: The use of OTS shots can also convey power dynamics between characters. By positioning the camera at different angles and heights, the shot can emphasize the dominance or submission of one character over another.
Overall, the OTS shot is a commonly used technique in film and television to enhance storytelling, convey emotions, and establish relationships between characters.
(Source: StudioBinder - 'Why Do Filmmakers Use Over-the-Shoulder Shots?')