A push in is a camera movement where the camera physically moves forward through space toward the subject, closing the distance between lens and subject over the course of the shot. Unlike a zoom, which changes the focal length of the lens to make the subject appear larger while the camera remains stationary, a push in involves actual physical movement through the scene, producing a subtly different perspective effect as the spatial relationships between near and far elements shift.

The push in is one of the most emotionally loaded camera movements in filmmaking. Moving toward a subject creates a sense of focus, intensification, and growing significance - the camera's approach mirrors the viewer's psychological lean-in toward something important. Slow, gradual push ins build tension or intimacy over time, drawing the viewer into a character's experience or toward a dramatic revelation. Faster push ins punctuate moments of surprise, realization, or sudden emotional weight. The technique is used extensively in dramatic scenes to underscore pivotal moments, in horror to build dread, and in romance to convey intimacy and connection. The difference from a zoom is perceptible: a push in changes perspective slightly as the camera moves, while a zoom flattens perspective by changing focal length.

When prompting AI video generation for push in movements, terms like "slow push in," "camera moves forward toward subject," or "gradual dolly in" clearly communicate this movement. Describing the starting distance from the subject and how close the camera ends up helps the model generate footage with the appropriate scale of movement and the intended emotional pacing.