Visual storytelling through the void: a quantitative analysis of empty shot distribution across film genres

Yao Song, Weilin Li, Zhongrui Wang and Yirong Hu ()
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Yao Song: Sichuan University
Weilin Li: Fudan University
Zhongrui Wang: Sichuan University
Yirong Hu: Sichuan University

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Empty shots, serving as a distinctive cinematic technique, hold significant prominence within movie narratives, intricately shaping the visual interplay between shot duration and human presence. Despite studies demonstrating the application of empty shots in films, a dearth of quantitative analysis of empty shots across different genres exists, alongside a lack of accurate definitions and associated detection. This study introduces a novel approach that combines methods to define empty shots and assess their occurrence from 1905 to 2019 (N = 2464). The sample was selected based on the criterion of rating and popularity. Utilizing an advanced computer vision tool, empty shots were identified and examined for their distribution across film genres. Our findings reveal significant variations in empty shots among different movie genres. A three-tier classification system for genres was suggested, considering the proportions of empty shots and their roles in cinematic storytelling. By employing a viewer-centric framework and harnessing quantitative analysis, this study advances the definition of empty shots, and its empirical findings elucidate the diverse narrative functions of empty shots across various film genres, thereby enriching the scholarly discourse on the utilization of empty shots in the cinematic language.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04527-2

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