Week 7

Multimedia Script Writing

Composition Principles &

Perspective.
 Composition in Storytelling
A Key element to any visual medium is composition.
Composition in this context is how the selection
and arrangement of cinematic elements work
to serve the story. This aspect of film making gives
images structure and purpose. (Exp.)

There is need to make the right decisions when

it comes to what to capture within the frame.
The right picture can go further than just telling
your story visually; it can make you feel
emotions, evoke memories, and even make you
act differently.

In most cases, storyboard artists work with the

directors. Needless to say, composition works hand
in hand with cinematography
 Rule of Thirds

The human eye has its “visual center”

and this is the place that it is naturally drawn to.
Imagine the viewfinder is divided into thirds,
both horizontally and vertically.This grid creates
four points where the lines cross.
For the greatest impact, place the subject
where the lines intersect, instead of in the
center of the frame.
The rule of thirds creates a visual balance
and add depth and interest to a frame.
Rule of Thirds
 Leading Lines

Look for elements that lead the eyes to the image.

A winding path, a row of street light poles
or even a line of chairs at the beach can
serve as elements to create this type of
composition.
Leading Lines
 Frame within a Frame

The technique of framing within a frame is

a method of drawing attention to a particular
point in a film. The idea is to choose part of your
scene to be the subject, then find a shape
within the frame that will 'hold' it.
 Centre Frame

The there can be times that placing the subject

in the middle of the screen is most appropriate
and effective. You can use this technique to
show immersion in the environment,
to show power, to create order or some
form of rigidity and also to create impact.

(Wes Anderson)
Centre Frame
 Golden Ratio

Known by a couple of names such as

the golden section, golden proportion, Phi,
divine proportion and fibonacci spiral,
this composition type is used when you want to
take your rule of thirds to new heights.
The technique is applied during filming
is by placing the spiral over the frame.
It is also used in a wider range of discipline;
from architecture, to photography;
from visual art to film.
Golden Ratio
 Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines gives your framing more dynamism

and depth. This composition style works well
with other composition types
like centre framing and leading lines
Diagonal Lines
 Contrast and Lights

We are naturally drawn to light or pulled

towards a brighter object. A darkened frame
with an highlight will pull you right in.
 To sum up, use the right composition for your shots.
Sometimes it will be determined by the story
that you want to tell. At other times the camera viewpoint
will be just functional. Don’t be dogmatic or rigid.
Be adaptable, be flexible and use the shot that you
think is right. Any rule can be broken but then the rules
are there so you don’t completely go off the rail.
 Perspectives in Storytelling

There is need to also explore the use of perspective when

it comes to visual story telling.

Perspective is the art of representing three-dimensional

objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give
the right impression of their height, width, depth,
and position in relation to each other.
"the theory and practice of perspective"

Perspective is when
visual lines appear to converge at one single point.
There is one point, two points and even
three points perspective.
Perspectives in Storytelling