HOW-TO, Techniques, & Best Practices Channel
A Conversation with Cinematographer John Seale, ASC
By Staff
posted May 24, 2010, 08:49 |
|
Back Edition Spotlight: Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers
Magazine, April 2008. Click
here to get a copy and to subscribe >>
 A
Conversation with Cinematographer John Seale, ASC
Format and Digital Technologies
by Jacqueline B. Frost
Click
Here to Read the Full Article >>
(Download PDF, 1261 KB)
Intro on Aspect ratio for formats
In discussing format it is necessary to understand aspect ratio, because each
of the formats mentioned have a different aspect ratio, which has to do with
the presentation of your finished project. Aspect ratio is basically the height
and width of the frame and it is measured in a ratio that has to do with how
much wider the image is in relation to the height of the frame. The ratios are
determined by dividing the width of the frame by the height, so sometimes they
are written as 1:85:1, or 2:40:1. Regular 16mm film has an aspect ratio of 1:33
which is a square frame, or 4:3 in video, super 16mm has an aspect ratio of
1:66 which means that it is a bit wider than it is tall, but it is not a completion
format and is usually blown up to 35mm or presented on High Definition. HD has
an aspect ratio of 1:78, regular 35mm film is 1:85 which means it is wider than
both super 16mm and HD, super 35mm film has an aspect ratio of 2:35, anamorphic
is 2:40 and 70mm is 2:65, these last three are considered wide screen formats.
There are numerous aesthetic reasons to select one aspect ratio over another,
and definitely aesthetic reasons to choose film over HD or visa versa. As a
director it is important that you understand the various formats available so
that you can have an educated conversation with your cinematographer and come
up with the best format to suit your film.
Click
Here to Read the Full Article >>
(Download PDF, 1261 KB)
This article may not be reprinted in print or internet
publications without express permission of StudentFilmmakers.com. Photos may
not be copied or reproduced.
|
