Cum Shot - "Money Shot" Terminology

"Money Shot" Terminology

Originally, in general film-making usage the term "money shot" was a reference to the scene that cost the most money to produce; in addition, the inclusion of this expensive special effect sequence is being counted on to become a selling point for the film. For example, in an action thriller, an expensive special effects sequence of a dam bursting might be called the "money shot" of the film.

The use of "money shot" to denote the ejaculation scene in pornographic films is attributed to producers paying the male actors extra for it. More recently, the meaning of the term "money shot" has sometimes been borrowed back from pornography by the film and TV industry with a meaning closer to that used in pornographic films. For example, in TV talk shows, the term, borrowed from pornography, denotes a highly emotional scene, expressed in visible bodily terms.