Basics of Shot Composition
The way visual elements are arranged on a screen is just as important as what's being said or shown - this is called visual storytelling - it directs the audience to what they should focus their attention to and even the psychology of the character.
Rule of Thirds
In order to achieve the rule of thirds, the picture is divided into nine equal parts. The theory behind it is that if the subject is placed on top of the vertical intersections or along the horizontal lines, your picture/shot becomes not only more pleasing but also creates more interest and energy. Makes the audience feel more comfortable.
However, rules are also meant to be broken.
Headroom
It refers to the distance between the top of the head of the subject and the edge of the picture. If one leaves too much room it creates a dead space.
Types of shots
Wide or full shot - used to establish the scene, the audience is able to see where the scene is taking place and allows for multiple characters to occupy the frame.
Medium shot - brings the audience closer into the characters, while placing less focus on the surrounding environment, it's used to give the audience a better understanding of the emotional nuances of the characters. Medium close-up.
Close-up shot - it dedicates the frame to the character, focusing on the face and eyes. Extreme close-up.
Screen direction
Conveys a sense of the characters state of mind in the script. If a character moves from left to right they are perceived as being "the good guy". The opposite, a character moving from right to left is then perceived as being "the bad guy". Once this is established it should be maintained in order to show progress towards the goal.
If a character is placed on the left side of the frame looking to the right is perceived as being "optimistic" towards the future. If the character is placed on the right side of the frame looking to the left than the opposite is true.
If characters are placed on either side of the frame facing that same side, it's called short-sighted, they are presumed to be trapped. It gives the scene a sense of confinement, tense. Usually used on horror movies, because it creates space on the screen for someone or something to come in.
If an actor is positioned in the centre of the frame is perceived to be "in a good spot", in a balanced place. Used commonly in TV news, it creates a complete focus on the presenter.
Other Shot Type Examples
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=255&v=Jc_uf43wU3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=317&v=ICcE72RwEyc
Rule of Thirds
In order to achieve the rule of thirds, the picture is divided into nine equal parts. The theory behind it is that if the subject is placed on top of the vertical intersections or along the horizontal lines, your picture/shot becomes not only more pleasing but also creates more interest and energy. Makes the audience feel more comfortable.
 |
| In shots of people, as a basic rule, we place their eyes along the upper horizontal line. |
However, rules are also meant to be broken.
Headroom
It refers to the distance between the top of the head of the subject and the edge of the picture. If one leaves too much room it creates a dead space.
 |
| For a close-up shot, it's more acceptable to cut off the head instead of cropping the chin. |
Types of shots
Close-up shot - it dedicates the frame to the character, focusing on the face and eyes. Extreme close-up.
Screen direction
Conveys a sense of the characters state of mind in the script. If a character moves from left to right they are perceived as being "the good guy". The opposite, a character moving from right to left is then perceived as being "the bad guy". Once this is established it should be maintained in order to show progress towards the goal.
 |
| 1. Character moving from left to right. | 2. Character moving from right to left. |
If a character is placed on the left side of the frame looking to the right is perceived as being "optimistic" towards the future. If the character is placed on the right side of the frame looking to the left than the opposite is true.
 | |
|
If characters are placed on either side of the frame facing that same side, it's called short-sighted, they are presumed to be trapped. It gives the scene a sense of confinement, tense. Usually used on horror movies, because it creates space on the screen for someone or something to come in.
If an actor is positioned in the centre of the frame is perceived to be "in a good spot", in a balanced place. Used commonly in TV news, it creates a complete focus on the presenter.
Other Shot Type Examples
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=255&v=Jc_uf43wU3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=317&v=ICcE72RwEyc
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