Film Terminology

Composition

Film composition means how the objects in view on screen are arranged to make the scene more interesting and effective to the viewer. There are several techniques we can use to create a good composition.

Framing; This means to frame the subject of interest with objects in the foreground.  

Rule of Thirds; By imagining that the scene is divided into horizontal and vertical thirds, you have four places to put your subject. Because the subject is now slightly off centre, it creates a more interesting and stimulating scene for the eye to view. This can be used to identify a characters' path as they are walking, or for an establishing shot.

Depth of field; This is the focus of the camera on either the foreground or background (shallow or deep focus). When the camera is focused on the subject in the foreground, the background is blurry. When the camera is focused on the object in the background, the foreground it blurry. In film, this can be used to draw attention to an object in the foreground, while still allowing us to vaguely see what is going on the background.

Focus Pulls; This is similar to depth of field, although it is only used in film as it means to change the depth of field. For example, the scene may begin with a shallow focus, so the subject in front is in focus. Then the shot adjusts to a deep focus, meaning the background is now in view. This is used to direct the viewer's attention from different subjects during the same shot.