What is the name of an extreme long shot that shows the viewer where a scene is taking place?

An extreme long shot, commonly known as an establishing shot, serves a fundamental purpose in filmmaking by providing context to the viewer about the setting of a scene. This type of shot typically captures a vast area of the environment, allowing the audience to understand where the action is taking place. It often includes significant landscape features or architectural elements that orient the viewer within the story.

The establishing shot is crucial because it can convey mood, time of day, season, and the general atmosphere of the location before the narrative unfolds. It sets the stage for the characters and events that follow, making it clear to the audience what they are about to witness. The distinction from other shot types is key; while a wide shot also captures a large area, an establishing shot is specifically intended to identify the setting, whereas a long shot may focus more on a particular subject within that context. This specificity is the reason why the term "establishing shot" accurately describes the function of an extreme long shot in filmmaking.