Post #2 Creating Composition Difficulties

 I have found that creating composition for my final cut's scenes is quite difficult. Many ideas pop into my head when constructing my storyboard. It helps me visualize each scene, however, when putting together the microelements that go along with these shots, I am stopped in my tracks. These elements must work together to produce composition.

Typical storyboards include each shot and a drawing that wraps the gist of it. For mine, I included a key with symbols for each microelement. This means there is a camera symbol for the cinematography of the shot, an audio symbol for the sound that will be present, a diamond symbol representing what edits will be made and a beach symbol representing the location of the shot. I also added special symbols such as an audio with a diamond representing added or emphasized sound and a camera with a question mark representing a camera angle suggestion. The reason I did this was to make filming easier, as I can visualize and perform each scene smoothly with all the information I need.

 

Although, creating my storyboard also includes having to imagine how the scene will play out in my head before writing down the information. This is difficult because I need to imagine the whole shot with all elements at once. I discovered that a way to focus on a shot is the rule of thirds. Many producers use this setting on their camera. The rule of thirds draws attention when someone or something falls on a certain point. Lines are what progress the story and balances the frame. I have learned that they draw the viewers eye's towards the subject whether it be displaying where the character is or confusing the character. Having balance in a shot calms and relaxes the audience. It is important because without balance in the frame, a viewer may find a scene confusing or "off". A way I can fix this is to use the rule of thirds and put my subject along those lines, that way my onlookers can view my final cut correctly and evenly.

As for where I located this new information, I watched the YouTube video  "7 Rules of Cinematic Framing and Composition" by Kellan Reck. This taught me the importance of lines in a framing that control the viewers' eyes and the balance that keeps a shot steady. I also learned the most important rule, the Rule of Thirds. Using this advice, I will be able to put all of my elements together, creating composition evenly.