Transcript The 5 C’s of Cinematography COMPOSITION

The 5 C’s of Cinematography
Camera Angles, Composition,
Cutting, Close-ups and
Continuity
The 5 C’s of Cinematography
COMPOSITION
Composition
Composition is the heart of
good filmmaking.
It’s the placement of your
subject within the frame,
so it’s as pleasing to the
viewer’s eye as possible.
Select a Subject
A shot should have
only one subject. If a
shot has more than
one subject, you can
break it up into two
or more shots.
Film Your Subject Thoroughly
For example, you should
shoot the entire scene
from different angles: one
shot of both parties, a
second shot with the one
person or group as the
primary subject, and a
third with the other person
or group as the primary
subject.
Find A Frame for the Subject
If you have control of your subjects, place them at their first
positions. Then look for an angle where the subjects and all the
other objects in the shot can be contained comfortably in the
frame and each is angled the way you want.
Use the “Rule of Thirds”
The rule of thirds is
a guideline used by
cinematographers
and photographers
to determine
positioning for a
subject within the
frame.
Use the “Rule of Thirds”
Imagine the frame
divided into thirds,
with equally spaced
horizontal and
vertical lines
dividing the frame.
Use the “Rule of Thirds”
The four points
where the lines
intersect are where
you position your
subject to conform
with the rule of
thirds and create
good composition.
Use the “Rule of Thirds”
Putting the subject
in the direct center
of the frame is
generally considered
to be bad
composition.
“Rule of Thirds” Examples
“Rule of Thirds” Examples
“Rule of Thirds” Examples
Find A Balanced Composition
Notice how, or if, all
the objects in your
shot are balanced.
Look at the shapes,
colors, and areas of
light and dark, and
imagine them as
simple shapes and
lines.
Find A Balanced Composition
Objects in shot
balanced?
Shapes, colors, and
areas of light and
dark. Imagine
them as simple
shapes and lines.
Find A Balanced Composition
Objects in shot
balanced?
Shapes, colors, and
areas of light and
dark. Imagine
them as simple
shapes and lines.
Find A Balanced Composition
Find A Balanced Composition
Find A Balanced Composition
Lead the Eyes and Movement
For example, if a person is
standing looking off the right
side of the frame (frame
right), it works better to place
him on the left side of the
frame.
Lead the Eyes and Movement
If a person is walking or
running across the frame
from left to right, the
viewer will feel more
comfortable if the person
is framed on the left so
there is space in front.
In Conclusion:
Check Your Shot
Use the zoom and
focus, and find the
best framing for your
subject.
In Conclusion:
Simplify
If you know what your primary
subject is, you can simplify the
composition.
Strengthen the focus on the
subject by selecting
uncomplicated backgrounds.
Get closer to the subject, if
necessary, to cut out
distractions.
In Conclusion:
Balance & Frame
You have to size up your
shot, set the camera, and
start rolling, but not
before you have
determined that you have
a completely balanced
and framed shot.
The End
Happy compositioning!