Framing and Composition

In today's lesson we learnt about framing and composition and how it can be used to compliment the focal point of a shot. Using different techniques can make shots more interesting. We will be able to apply this knowledge whilst filming in order to make our music video stand out and look visually pleasing.

Eyeline Rule / Headroom:

When filming a close up of a person there is a general rule that the eyes should be kept 1/3 of the way down the frame and should almost never be allowed below this point. Below, on the left, is a still from Adele's 'Hello' adhering to this rule, on the right is a still from Beyoncé's 'Pretty Hurts' where her eyeline is lower than the halfway point. I think that deviating from this rule has made Beyoncé appear smaller and more vulnerable as opposed to Adele who is taking up a larger portion of the frame.



Leading Space:

Leading space is a term used when an object or person is on the very left or right-hand side of the frame, usually looking sideways. This allows room for movement and adds an element of fluidity and openness. In this particular example below from Taylor Swift's 'Blank Space', the leading space combined with her outstretched arm draws the viewer's eye across the frame.

Surrounding Subject:

Surrounding the subject with other objects helps to frame it, highlighting it as the focal point of the shot. This is evident is the shot below from Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House'.

Centralising Focus:

Centralising the focal point of the shot is a simple way of drawing attention to it. The empty space around the subject also helps to create balance whilst also making the shot appear quite formal yet authoritative. Below is a still from Lorde's music video for 'Team' that shows a central figure with empty space, this immediately draws the eye to the centre of the shot.

Diagonal Lines:

Diagonal lines help to draw the viewer's eye across a shot, usually to the focal point, this also adds an element of movement and makes a shot more exciting. They also emphasise perspective, adding more depth to the shot. Below is a shot from the music video for 'Lean On' by Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ that shows a diagonal line across the frame leading to the focal point (the artist).

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds describes the idea of splitting a shot into a 3x3 grid with the object of interest lying where the grid lines intersect. The off-centre focal point creates a more interesting shot. This rule can also be combined with other rules such as leading space and surrounding the subject, the empty space around the subject creates balance and can also serve as a frame, drawing more attention to the focal point. Below is an example of the rule of thirds, taken from the Arctic Monkey's 'The View from the Afternoon'.

Here is a very informative video that I found about the rule of thirds: