pull-focus

UK/pʊl ˈfəʊkəs/

noun

A filming technique whereby the focal point is drawn towards the viewer; also a shot (as part of an edit) in which such a technique is used. Also used attributively.

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Meanings

noun
  1. broadcastingA filming technique whereby the focal point is drawn towards the viewer; also a shot (as part of an edit) in which such a technique is used. Also used attributively.

    To set up a pull-focus shot, frame your shot so that the two subjects, at different distances from the camera, are in view.

    2007, Gary Hudson et al., The Broadcast Journalism Handbook, page 212
    1 more example

    ...this image of pure light forms (through a pull-focus) into an image of a snow-covered field, in the middle of which is a mother holding her two sons.

    1989, R Bruce Elder, Image and Identity: Reflections on Canadian Film and Culture, page 384

Origin

From pull + focus.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

French rattrapage de point
  • rattrapage de pointfilming technique whereby the focal point is drawn towards the viewer; also a shot (as part of an edit) in which such a technique is used
Cite this entry
APA

pull-focus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pull-focus

MLA

“pull-focus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pull-focus. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pull-focus,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pull-focus.

Source: pull-focus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.