Money shot

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A money shot is a provocative, sensational or memorable sequence in a film, on which the film's commercial performance is perceived to depend[1].


[edit] Origin

The term originates from mainstream feature filmmakers, who used the term "money shot" as slang for the image that costs the most money to produce;[2]. For example, in an action thriller, an expensive special effects sequence of a dam bursting might be called the "money shot" of the film.

Also called a "money-making" shot[3].

A money shot has also been used as another name for a cum shot in pornographic films. The shot was so named because if a male actor could not provide this shot he would not be paid.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Money Shot". Oxford English Dictionary Online.
  2. ^ Extract of The Money Shot by Jane Mills.
  3. ^ From the "Filmmaker's Dictionary" by Ralph S. Singleton and James A. Conrad, edited by Janna Wong Healy, (2nd edition, 2000, Lone Eagle Publishing Co., Hollywood, California).


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