A money shot is a moving or stationary visual element of a film, video, television broadcast, or print publication that is disproportionately expensive to produce or is perceived as essential to the overall importance or revenue-generating potential of the work.
"[4][5] In her book Hard Core, Linda Williams argues that the money shot is not simply desired in and of itself, but proves to the audience that the sex is real.
For example, in an action thriller, an expensive special-effects sequence of a dam bursting might be considered the money shot of the film.
Many filmmakers read a script and look for the most dramatic or climactic moment — the money shot — in the proposed film.
[9] Even though the costs or technical challenges of filming such an impressive scene may be huge, producers and directors will do whatever it takes to get that shot completed.