An Arc Shot is a camera movement where the camera travels in a curved or semi-circular path around a subject while keeping that subject in frame throughout. The result is a dynamic, elegant movement that reveals multiple angles of the subject and their environment in a single continuous shot without cutting.

Arc shots are frequently used in dialogue scenes to add visual energy, in action sequences to emphasise power or isolation, and in dramatic moments where a character's relationship to their surroundings needs to be communicated visually. The movement adds a sense of production value and intentionality that straightforward cuts or simple pans cannot achieve.

In AI video generation, understanding arc shots helps creators write more precise camera direction prompts, guiding video generation models toward the specific type of movement they want. Tools like Morphic's camera motion controls allow users to define curved camera paths when animating scenes, making the arc shot a directly applicable concept in AI-assisted filmmaking workflows.