The 5 Principles of Cinematic Depth | Cinematography 101

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No matter what kind of movie you're shooting, whether it's a drama, comedy, or horror -- a main aspect needing to be addressed by every cinematographer is Cinematic Depth - the carefully crafted layering of subject and background, all within a single shot. In this episode of 4 Minute Film School, Valentina Vee and guest cinematographer, Alissa Rooney, break down all the factors that contribute to Cinematic Depth.

Today, we're shooting a cinematic interview that you would normally see in a high-end documentary. First, we talk about how to compose your shot and where to place the subject in the room. Following the rule of thirds, we also make sure that the talent is sitting far enough away from the camera to get a nice depth compression, but also far away from the background to have the ability to light both parts of the frame separately.

Next, we discuss wardrobe options and what to look out for. You want to make sure that the color of the clothing matches the overall color scheme of the film, while also contrasting the colors of the background. Busy-looking patterns (such as too many stripes) are not recommended, as they are too distracting and can also cause moire in the image.

Finally, we go over the lighting setup, and how to make a subject stand out from the background. Separating your subject from the background is important because it’s how you achieve a good tonal range throughout your shot. Some of the ways that one can accomplish this include adding a hair light, negative fill, and practical lighting choices (lights that appear in-frame). This way, the space that you’re shooting in feels three-dimensional and well-balanced.

In this video, you will learn how to maximize your soft source using diffusion cloth, what negative fill is, and how you can use lights that are already at location to make a more cinematic frame.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Location
1:08 - Composition
1:34 - Wardrobe
2:08 - Lighting
2:50 - Negative Fill
3:18 - Tonal Range
3:45 - Hair Light
4:20 - Practicals
4:47 - Background
5:29 - Recap
5:44 - Outro

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Summary:
Aputure's YouTube channel provides free high quality cinematography, lighting, and filmmaking educational content to help you take your film projects to the next level.

[MrTrepTower]

I'd sit down to interview my dad who passed away 10 years ago, so i could catch him up on life.

[kalymba_]

I would want to interview Roger Deakins because he's the one who inspired me to try and study cinematography. He seems like a really nice and talented guy.

[lauraweichman]

I'd love to interview Sven Nykvist and learn some of his tricks, particularly in Persona. No matter how many times I watch it, this movie always takes my breath away.

[daniel_wilkinson]

I've also seen interviews that go 180 degrees the other way and have a completely black background with just a key light and a couple of fills. My attention is focused on the subject and what they have to say and does not stray to the background.

[bddonovan]

I'd interview Vivian Maier, who is my favorite photographer. No interviews of her exist because her work wasn't discovered until after her passing.

[gaaraxx]

APUTURE: You need 4-5 300dii
You: Buys godox lights

[recipetodelicious]

When you show the individual lights at the end, do it slower, and take out the graphics for a bit so you can see the difference without the graphics. Really a great instuctional piece, just want to be able to assimilate it easier.

[adfrazier]

I would love to interview Andre 3000. I love how he’s able to do whatever he wants no matter how different or “obscure” it is. I would love to know how he gained that confidence.

[lorlooney]

Very excellent quality from the motion graphics, to the text, to the amount of words used. Absolutely a lesson!

[NIKONGUY]

Saw a pic with her standing next to Sir Roger. Total respect if you have the chops to stand next to Mr. Light, rather, Sir Light.

[JPMedia]

I would love to interview Orson Welles (if he was alive today) to see his unique perspective on rapid change in the film industry and his thoughts on filmmaking being more accessible to anyone.

[lightingbryan]

Robin Williams would probably be the most fascinating interview. He is always 10 steps ahead of everyone and you never know what he is going to say or do.

[Killernaut]

This is the best lighting setup video I've ever seen

[tyldarprod]

A two character scene in a hallway with and without windows. I use your setups and turn arounds for my media class demonstrations. Keep up the excellent work.

[michaelwhitlock]

I’d interview my grandfather, who passed away when I was 10. So much I wanted to ask him, and so many stories that aren’t recorded!

[emanueldejesus]

Amazing setup & Paul Nicklen because of the wonderful work he is doing to amplify ocean conservation through media and storytelling.

[PeterFilimaua]

I'd like to interview Gordon Willis! Godfather and the underrated film All the President's Men, must've had incredible lighting setups !

[DarylChris]

I’d love to interview Sean Bobbitt, his work on Queen of Katwe was amazing

[gildafilmproductions]

Alissa Rooney is a talented DP. I’m glad to hear she rocks Aputure. We work with Aputure gear as well!

[alenlukovac]

I'd love to interview Emmanuel Lubezki because he's up there with the best cinematographers out there