Framing for Film

Framing in film is often referred to as composition. The composition of the image includes the placement of various elements in the frame. We must take into consideration what we want the audience to focus on consciously and subconsciously. Every shot can create a new dynamic and we will be discussing some principles and techniques to keep in mind when shooting your films.

Let's first discuss the Rule of Thirds. The technique is common in both photography and film, it simply states that if the frame is divided into thirds (both vertically and horizontally) These areas where the lines overlap is where the audience will naturally focus on.

Additionally, Depth of Field is important principle to keep in mind when shooting. Depth of field is concerned with the background, middleground, and foreground and which area is in focus. By predetermining where the focus is, we can highlight certain aspects of the film. For example if we had focus on a small object instead of our subject, we would understand that this object is of significance.

Now let's discuss what types of shots could be useful in creating a film for the first time. This website has multiple shots and examples: http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/film-studies-101-camera-shots-styles/

Using a variety of these shots creates the cinematic experience. A static shot to a dolly shot, amplifies the production of the picture. These techniques and principles, are only that. Understanding and applying these are the beginning steps to mastering the art of film.