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What is an insert?

Tagged: screenplay, screenwriting, script, scriptwriting, terms

An insert is a shot — often a close-up — that focuses on a specific detail. If necessary, these shots can be written into a screenplay, but most inserts will be called for by the director.

Often, insert shots are done by the 2nd unit, or are done in pickups to patch over a hole in editing.

Some examples of details that may be inserts: a newspaper headline, a hand subtly reaching into a pocket, a sign on a shop door.

Patton smiles as he flips slowly through the stack.

He stops on one in particular.

INSERT – PHOTO

of a 12-year-old Patton and his father in upper deck seats at the 1997 World Series, hot dogs in hand.

PATTON

Go Marlins.

He fights back the single tear that’s trying its damnedest to fall.

### More from johnaugust.com
* [Formatting text shown on screen](http://johnaugust.com/2005/formatting-text-shown-on-screen “Formatting text shown on screen”)
* [How to format an on-screen note](http://johnaugust.com/2009/format-onscreen-note “How to format an on-screen note”)
* [Camera angles and edits](http://johnaugust.com/2003/camera-angles-and-edits “Camera angles and edits”)
* [Avoid CUT TOs in a busy sequence](http://johnaugust.com/2004/avoid-cut-tos-in-a-busy-sequence “Avoid CUT TOs in a busy sequence”)

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