Definition of the word pan out

The origin of the phrase "pan out" in modern film and television production can be traced back to the early days of the cinema, specifically the use of the panoramic camera, also known as a panorama camera. These cameras could capture a wide field of view by mechanically sweeping across a scene rather than switching between individual cameras or shots. This technique was popularized in the 1920s in Hollywood due to its efficiency and was commonly used in long take sequences. The term "pan out" comes from the action of sweeping or panning out the camera move, effectively revealing more of the scene or subject. In other words, the camera would start in a close-up shot and then gradually widen or zoom out to reveal a wider perspective. The term has since become a commonly used jargon in film and television editing, where it refers to a specific technique used in post-production to finalize the visual storytelling. It is often used to create a sense of drama, suspense, or tension in a scene by slowly revealing information, such as a hidden object or a character's true intentions. In short, "pan out" is a film and television editing technique that originated from the use of panoramic cameras in the early days of cinema, and has since become a staple in modern visual storytelling.