matte shot

A matte shot is the optical process of combining (or compositing) separately-photographed shots (usually actors in the foreground and the setting in the background) onto one print through a double exposure that does not meld two images on top of each other, but masks off (or makes opaque and blank) part of the frame area for one exposure and the opposite area for another exposure. The second image is printed in the masked-off area. It is a photographic technique whereby a matte painting or artwork from a matte artist, usually painted on glass, is combined with live-action footage to provide a convincing setting for the action. Also sometimes known as "split-screen."