What is aspect ratio in film
There are many vital parts to making a movie, and the camera work or editing of its result is one of them. Part of this is the movie aspect ratio – the proportion of the width of the frame to its height, which determines the shape of the image on the screen, which could be 4:3, 16:9, etc. The aspect ratio can have a lot of impact on perception.
As such, it sets the format of visual storytelling and influences the composition of the frame, depth, and emotional perception. Directors use different aspect ratios to enhance dramatic effect or create a unique visual style. In addition, the aspect ratio determines how the image will be displayed on various devices (TVs, monitors, movie screens).
This is why the aspect ratio change within one project can significantly affect the viewer.
What is aspect ratio switching
Aspect ratio switching is a technique for using different aspect ratios for film scenes in a single project. During the switching process, the frame changes its aspect ratio, moving, for example, from 16:9 to 2.39:1 or vice versa. This may be accompanied by technical effects, such as darkening the edges of the frame or implemented unnoticeably for the viewer.
Switching can be used for various storytelling reasons, such as to create dramatic contrast between scenes or highlight important events or moments. Thus, a video created for social media might switch from vertical (9:16) to horizontal (16:9) or vice versa to focus on key moments.
Switching to narrow formats like 4:3 in movies helps focus on characters and their stories. For example, in "The Grand Budapest Hotel", different periods are shown in different aspect ratios.
Wide formats, on the other hand, convey big scale and grandeur. In "Interstellar", the space scenes were shot in IMAX format, visually increasing the scale and enormous size of the place.
How to switch aspect ratio effectively
Switching aspect ratios in vlogs can be quite a powerful tool for creating professional-looking and engaging content. However, it's important to follow a few guidelines to ensure that the switches look organic and don't distract the viewer.
First, determine the switch's purpose; each aspect ratio change should achieve a specific goal. For example, dynamics change; platform adaptation, whether for wide or small screens; or a change of atmosphere. Also, plan for switching at the filming stage. For this, capturing the footage in the widest possible format, such as 16:9 or 4K, can be very helpful. It will give you flexibility in video editing, as you can simply crop to the desired aspect ratio at that stage.
It's also important to use switching as part of the storytelling. Smooth transitions, such as a "fading" or "masking" effect when switching between formats, will help. Make these transitions logically justified, such as when there's a change of location or time of action.
Keep technical aspects in mind. Try to use more complex editors, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, as they support multi-format editing and switching. But if you have a small project, simple editors will also help. In any case, make sure that switching between formats doesn't result in losing resolution or video quality.
Also, keep it consistent. If your video is mostly shot widescreen or intended for specific platforms, like YouTube, it's best to stick to one aspect ratio to avoid distracting viewers. However, small changes within scenes can be appropriate.
Avoid making common mistakes, such as over-switching, as frequent aspect ratio changes can annoy viewers. Also, ensure that the content "fits" into the new format and that important frame elements (faces, text) are not cut off when switching to the new format.
FAQs
What is an aspect ratio?
This video parameter determines the format (horizontal or vertical) and the amount of available visual space in the frame. This parameter should be considered when planning a video to fit the intended platform or device.
What is aspect ratio switching?
This editing technique uses different video parts within a single project to have different aspect ratios. This creates contrast or impact on the viewer's perception in various ways.
Which tool can be used to switch aspect ratio?
For multi-format editing and making multiple changes, it's worth using advanced editors. However, if changing the aspect ratio is the only change, simple tools will also do the trick.
Conclusion
Aspect ratio switching is an interesting editing technique that helps with storytelling and creates visual variety. However, careful and thoughtful planning is required from the planning to the editing stage.