Martini Shot is a technique in filmmaking production.
Technical Details
The Martini Shot follows the standardized production workflow: The Script Supervisor notes the timecode and take number, while the 2nd Assistant Director enters the wrap time into the Daily Production Report. Typically, the Martini Shot falls between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM on regular shooting days, and between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on night shoots. The Camera Assistant marks the film roll or memory card with "MS" for Martini Shot. In multi-camera setups, the last shot of the master camera is considered the official Martini Shot.
History & Development
The term established itself from 1962 onwards in Hollywood studios when the strictly regulated working hours of the IATSE and SAG unions led to fixed wrap times. Previously, it was referred to as the "Final Shot" or "Last Setup." In the 1970s, European productions adopted the American term, while in Germany, the expression "Schlusslicht" (final light) was used concurrently. Since the 1990s, "Martini Shot" has become internationally established and is retained even in digital productions, although physical film rolls are no longer changed.
Practical Application in Film
Francis Ford Coppola deliberately used emotional scenes as Martini Shots in "Apocalypse Now" (1979) to keep the actors in the desired mood overnight. Ridley Scott plans simple dialogue scenes as Martini Shots for complex action sequences to avoid delays due to technical problems. The Martini Shot is chosen strategically: New or inexperienced actors rarely receive this final shot, as time pressure can lead to mistakes. For exterior shoots, the selection is based on lighting conditions – interior shots are preferably planned as the last shot to remain weather-independent.
Comparison & Alternatives
The "Abby Singer Shot" (second to last shot) is named after the legendary Assistant Director Abby Singer and serves as a warning to the crew. Unlike the spontaneously occurring "Pick-up Shot" (reshoot of individual shots), the Martini Shot is planned daily. For overtime, it's referred to as the "Overtime Martini," which triggers additional union allowances. In series production, the "Season Wrap" replaces the last Martini Shot of a season, while in documentaries, the term is used less frequently due to flexible shooting times.