“The sequence." It may be the most important concept in learning editing. In simplest terms, a sequence is a series of shots (taken at different times) that are edited together to appear as if they are happening in one continuous flow. I admit that's not the clearest definition, so to make this clearer, play the sequence to the right.

It’s 2 shots filmed at different times (about 5 minutes apart). But when they’re edited together, there is a seamless flow. This is a simple sequence.

Most of the time, the first shot in a sequence is a "wide shot." These wide shots can also be called "establishing shots" because they establish a place in the mind of the viewer. They answer the question of "where are we?"

After the wide shot, the next shot in a sequence is a medium shot or close-up. Close-ups and medium shots provide detail that is not apparent in the establishing shot.