What is a Jib Shot?

Jib Shot Definition

A jib shot is achieved by using a the commonly known tool known as, you guessed it, the camera jib.

The jib is essentially a boom arm with a camera mounted on one end and a counterweight on the other.

The camera operator (or remote control system) sits at the counterweight end, allowing them to pan, tilt, and move the camera along the length of the boom.

This creates dramatic, sweeping movements that can rise high, dip low, or move in complex arcs, all while maintaining a smooth, flowing motion.

The Difference Between a Jib and Crane Shot

When I started writing this article, it felt eerily similar to the crane shot. So I wanted to get to the bottom of what separates a jib from a crane.

• Jibs and Cranes: Sometimes Interchangeable In casual filmmaking conversation, the terms "jib" and "crane" are often used interchangeably to refer to a camera moving up, down, and with wide arcs.
• The Technical Distinction Here's the more precise difference:
  • Jib: A jib is the arm that extends out, providing that sweeping camera motion. It's typically mounted on a tripod or dolly for support.
  • Crane: A crane is the entire system that includes the jib, a base for stability (often wheeled), counterweights, and sometimes even a seat for the camera operator.

In summary, not all jib shots are crane shots if the jib isn't part of a larger crane setup. But all crane shots are jib shots, since they involve the use of a jib arm.

Jib Shot Examples

To illustrate the power of the jib shot, let's explore some famous examples in cinema and television:

• Goodfellas (1990): Martin Scorsese's iconic tracking shot that follows Henry Hill and Karen through the Copacabana nightclub employs a jib and then handheld to glide smoothly through the bustling crowd, establishing a sense of excitement and privilege.
• Sports Broadcasts: Jibs are now commonplace in televised sports events, allowing the camera to swoop down onto the field or court for dramatic replays and close-ups of the action.