

Compare this to a flatly lit scene with gentle shadows that effectively communicates to an audience: ‘Hey.

Conversely, deliberate underexposure increases the drama in a scene by lowering the black level and deepening the shadows. Deliberate overexposure, for example, by blowing out windows and highlights, can contribute to a sci-fi or otherworldly look. Production frame rates under 30fps, for example, suggest a fictional story often set in the past, while frame rates over 30fps tend to communicate a more immediate context, as in most documentaries, news, and sports programs. Relatively subtle look elements, such as a camera’s shutter angle and the production frame rate, can be barely perceptible by most audiences.

Managing the look of a show comprises various elements. The correct look can go a long way to promoting the effective communication of the filmmaker’s intentions. This is why the look of a production is so critical. Audiences need to know from a program’s first moment, frame, or musical downbeat, whether to laugh or cry audiences will agreeably do either, but a filmmaker’s intent must be clear from the outset. They matter a lot.Ĭommunication of genre is the filmmaker’s primary responsibility. Thus, at every level, our choices as filmmakers matter. Audiences read such cues and (hopefully) respond in the appropriate way. A looser, broader presentation suggests a comedy. Shooting in close-up? Comedies are typically framed more loosely than dramatic fare. We exploit the cinematic crafts like music, sound, direction, and wardrobe, to communicate genre. Is our story a drama or a comedy? Appropriate titles, set design, framing, and composition can all help communicate the intended genre. Accessible, Easy to Use Color-Grading Tools Will Keep You - and Your Stars - Looking GoodĪs professional storytellers, we understand how audiences understand our intentions as filmmakers.
