Film Techniques

Leading Lines

a composition technique whereby the viewer's eye is attracted to lines that lead directly to the principle subject in the image

Vertical Lines

Vertical lines are often associated with strength (think pillar of strength), stability, balance, and elevation.

Horizontal Lines

Lines applied horizontally often evoke feelings of stability, grounding, emphasis and direction

Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines typically connote a sense of dynamic movement, transformation, and freedom

Curved 

Curving lines whether freeform, arcing, circular, or elliptical often feel natural, organic, playful, and soothing. If you are looking to make a space flow curving lines are a great way to do it

Symmetrical

Symmetrical balance refers to balance that is achieved by arranging elements on either side of the center of a composition in an equally weighted manner

Asymmetrical

asymmetrical balance, the two sides are not identical, but differ from one another. However, the elements are arranged so that there is a sense of balance.

Unity

unity occurs when all of the elements of a piece combine to make a balanced, harmonious, complete whole

Variety

A principle of design concerned with diversity or contrast. Variety is achieved by using different shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.

Movement

A principle of design that indicates movement, created by the careful placement of repeated elements in a work of art to cause a visual tempo or beat

Emphasis

This refers to having an equal distribution of light, colour, and objects and/or figures in a shot. Unbalanced composition can be used to emphasize certain elements of a film that the director wishes to be given particular attention to

Scale

A principle of design that refers to the relationship of certain elements to the whole and to each other.

one that can be reduced to a sound bite, and write it LARGE and LOUD.

Pattern

In this type, the basic emphasis is on difference and similarity which come through the base of sameness, because construction requires a certain base which will move and change through repetition

Bird's eye view

A bird's-eye view is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird

Worm's eye view

A worm's-eye view is a view of an object from below, as though the observer were a worm; the opposite of a bird's-eye view

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections

Framing

framing is the presentation of visual elements in an image, especially the placement of the subject in relation to other objects. ... It can add depth to an image, and can add interest to the picture when theframe is thematically related to the object being framed.

Simplicity

Backgrounds can be entirely neutral, like a solid backdrop or a cloudless sky; or they can complement the image, like a starfish on the sand. A more technical method of achieving simplicity involves focusing on the subject while ensuring the background is out of focus.