What is the term used to describe a sequence where a performer looks at something off-screen and then the audience sees what the performer was looking at?

The term that accurately describes a sequence where a performer looks at something off-screen and then the audience sees what the performer was looking at is known as a Glance-object Pair. This technique is used to create a connection between the character’s gaze and what they are observing, effectively guiding the audience’s attention from the character to the object or action that is being observed.

In filmmaking, this sequence enhances storytelling by providing context and building engagement. When viewers see the character’s initial reaction or interest in an off-screen object, followed by a cut to that object, it creates a moment of anticipation and understanding of the character's motivations or intentions. The Glance-object Pair is an effective tool in narrative cinema to establish relationships between characters and their surroundings.

Other terms mentioned, such as Cutaway and Insert Shot, do not quite capture the specific dynamic of a character's gaze transitioning to what they are observing. A Point of View Shot generally refers to a shot that is directly from the perspective of a character, which might not always involve them looking off-screen first.