COMPOSITION:
The Cinematic Way


Composition is one of the most important elements when it comes to framing and image, but it is also one of the most overlooked. There is a limit to the amount of stuff that you can safely put into a frame before the frame becomes uncomfortable to look at, as well as odd. This tutorial with often refer to the Rule Of Thirds. If you don't know what that is, read this tutorial first. I won't be saying exactly how the Rule Of Thirds comes into play for each piece of composition, so it's best that you take a look at the tutorial so you'll get a rough example. Haveing prior knowledge of the rule, you will be able to see what I've framed each shot the way I have. Remember, like all rules, there are exceptions. Okay, so let's start with the basics.

EXTREME CLOSE UP: Wow, he's like totally in your face, no? The extreme close up is a very tight shot. It is used often, but normally it's used as a cutaway shot to reveal something to the audience. A hand unlocking a door... A shifty set of eyes... You get the general idea. In film, often times using an ECU on someone's face is unflattering. It can reveal their imperfectiong which would otherwise go unnoticed.

CLOSEUP: I'm ready for my close up, Mr DeVille. The Close Up is an extremely important shot, but it must be used accordingly. The closeup is used to get you closer to the action. The closer you are to the characters, the closer you feel to the action/situation, and the more it effects you.

MEDIUM CLOSEUP: The Medium Closeup is basically just a combination of a Medium Shot and a Closeup. It's primarily used when you want to just a little more intimate than the MS, but not quite the intimacy of the CU.

MEDIUM SHOT: The medium shot is the most commonly used frame. It's sort of like your 'everyman' shot. It can be used anywhere, and at anytime really. It's the ideal shot for most dialogue scenes, unless it is an intense scene at which point the CU may be your best choice.

MEDIUM LONG: The ML is the same basic principle of the MCU.

LONG SHOT: The LS is also another highly used frame. This is great for action sequences, especially because you can get the entire character in view and you can see their every movements.

WIDE SHOT: The WS is an establishing frame. It's used so that the audience can get a good idea of the surrounding environment. You wouldn't want to start with a CU right away because the audience will have no idea where the character is. A WS will establish many things right away such as location, time period, and time of day instantly.

EXTREME WIDE SHOT: The EWS is the monster shot. You see anything and everything going on. It's mostly used as an establishign frame, and you wouldn't want to use it very often. It's makes for a great POint Of View frame because the audience sees what the character sees.

2 SHOT: The 2S is also another very common frame. It would be boring if every frame continuously featured one character. 2S can be used for everything from simple dialogue, to a closer view of an action sequence.