Static and Dynamic Composition, Lead Room, Rule of Thirds | Elements of Film Photography

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In cinematography, composition refers to the frame of the image and how the elements of
the mise-en-scne appear in it. Composition guidelines must be observed when telling
stories visually, as in filmmaking. Useful conventions are applied to make heroes stronger,
villain ominous, generate anxiety, give the audience tranquility, and more

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Screenwriting
Overview
Three-Act Structure
The Main Character
Character Arc

Film Scholar's Insight

Composition rules and conventions are older than cinema and photography.
Most of the concepts in this page have been used for thousands of years in
painting. Filmmakers and photographers have borrowed many techniques
from painters and used them as a springboard for new ideas and practices.

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Exposition

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Cinematography
Overview
The Human Eye
Shot Sizes
Camera Angles
Camera Moves
Types of Lenses
Exposure
Aperture / F-stop
Shutter Speed
Depth of Field
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Lead Room
If a character is looking frame left, then he should be placed frame right. This makes the
framing comfortable because the subject is looking at the open space in front of him. This
open space is called lead room or lead space.

Directing
Overview
Mise-en-scne
Blocking
Coverage
Shooting Script

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Static and Dynamic Composition, Lead Room, Rule of Thirds | Elements of Film Photography

Producing
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If the actors were frame left, looking frame left, then the empty space would be behind
them. This doesn't feel right because they would be looking at the edge of the frame. The
proximity to the frame would generate a claustrophobic undertone that could upset some
viewers.
Notice that when two shots of two actors in different sides of the screen are intercut
together, the audience surmises that the actors are looking to one another, regardless of
where they are.

Cross Cutting
Types of Transition
Kuleshov Effect
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Rule of Thirds
Another basic composition principle is called Rule of Thirds. To follow it, one must
imagine the frame with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines, as to create three vertical
sections of the same dimensions and three vertical sections also of the same size. The result
is something like this:

I dream for a living.

- Steven Spielberg

The intersections of the lines are points of interest, where important objects are often
placed. These points of interest are comfortable to the eye, thus the middle portion of the
frame are kept "empty" or clear.

Filmmaker's Insight
Filmmakers, like any other group of artists, like to break rules. The guidelines
explained in this pages are just some basic concepts that any cinematographer or
camera operator should know and apply. In some circumstances, however, it's
okay to stray away from these rules.
Overlooking the norm is acceptable with motivation and purpose. With practice,
you should be able to conceptualize extraordinary compositions and make them
work in your favor. Consider, for example, the two types of composition below.

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Static and Dynamic Composition, Lead Room, Rule of Thirds | Elements of Film Photography

Static Composition
Compositions with the majority of lines being horizontal or vertical are called Static
Composition. In theory, horizontal and vertical lines are somewhat soothing, calm,
tranquil...

Notice how the the Emperor in Hero (2002) is not in none of the intersections of
the Rule of Thirds. Indeed, he is right in the middle of the frame. The symmetry of
the shot communicates the perfection of the palace and intensifies the situation. It
is as though only a sacred or regal place could be so symmetrically perfect.
Dynamic Composition
When a composition has many diagonal lines it is called Dynamic Composition.
The dynamism or excitement comes from the fact the diagonals are somewhat
unsettling (as opposed to a static compositions that communicate peace and
tranquility).

As shown in the example above, one easy way to make shots dynamic is with an
ultra high camera angle looking down at the subject. Depending on how camera is
positioned, the natural lines of the environment will look diagonal.

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