FAQ plan-sequences.com
Everything you've always wanted to know about the website, long takes, and how it all works. If your question isn't listed here, please contact me via the Contact page.
The Long Take
What is a long take?
A long take is a scene filmed in a single, continuous shot, without any cuts in editing. The camera rolls, follows the characters, moves through the sets, and never stops. When done well, you forget there’s a camera there. You’re right in the scene. That’s what makes this format so powerful.
What is the difference between a long take and a long shot?
A long take is simply a shot that lasts a long time; the camera can remain fixed on a face for three minutes. A sequence shot is a long take that moves, follows the action, and covers an entire narrative sequence. It is the combination of duration and movement that creates the immersive effect.
Why do some long takes contain hidden cuts?
Because sometimes technical constraints make it impossible to shoot everything in a single actual take. Directors then use “invisible cuts”—such as a transition behind a wall, a quick camera movement, or a fade to black—to edit together multiple takes while maintaining the illusion of continuity. Iñárritu’s *Birdman* and Sam Mendes’s *1917* are built entirely on this principle. They are “fake” long takes, but the effect on the viewer remains the same: you never lose immersion.
The website
What is plan-sequences.com?
An online film archive dedicated to long takes. Each scene listed is accompanied by an analysis sheet: the film’s context, filming techniques, and what to look for when watching it again. The goal: to inspire you to revisit these scenes with a fresh perspective.
Who is behind this project?
Me—Frédéric, a film enthusiast. This is not an institutional or academic project. It’s a website created by a film lover for other film lovers. I launched plan-sequences.com because there was no resource in French that systematically cataloged and analyzed long takes.
Who is this website for?
To everyone fascinated by filmmaking. Curious film lovers who want to understand why a particular scene left a lasting impression on them. Film students looking for concrete examples. Aspiring videographers and directors who want to learn the technical aspects. You don’t need any technical knowledge to enjoy this site—you just need to love movies.
How do I navigate the site?
You can explore long takes by film or by genre. Each entry includes an embedded video, a written analysis, and visual cues to guide your viewing. Use the search function if you're looking for a specific film.
How often is the website updated?
New analyses are published every week. The blog is also regularly updated with themed articles: technical guides, comparisons, and lists of must-see sequence shots.
Videos and Copyright
Are the videos hosted on the website?
No. All videos come from YouTube or Vimeo and are embedded using their official players. The site does not store any video files.
Do the excerpts comply with copyright law?
Yes. The content is embedded using the platforms' official tools (YouTube/Vimeo embed), which complies with their terms of use. The written analyses fall under the right to quote for educational and critical purposes.
Can I use your analyses for a class or an educational project?
Yes, provided that you cite plan-sequences.com as the source and do not use the content for commercial purposes. The texts and analyses remain protected by copyright.
Contribute
Can I propose a long take?
Yes. Contact me through the Contact page with a video link and a brief description of the scene. If the sequence fits the site, I'll add it along with an analysis sheet.
How can I support the project?
The easiest way: spread the word about the site. Tell a movie-loving friend about it, or share an analysis on your social media. And if you want to go a step further, a subscription is still the best way to support the project.
Technical Issues
I'm having trouble viewing or playing a video. What should I do?
First, check your internet connection and disable your ad blocker, as it may interfere with the embedded video players. If the problem persists, please contact me through the Contact page and describe the issue.
Contact
How can we contact you?
Through the form available on the Contact page. I usually respond within 48 hours.
Where can I find the latest news about the site?
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest analyses and blog posts directly in your inbox.
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