Operating in 4:3

Gavin Keen · May 23, 2009

Hey,

I just got a cam op position on a student 16 mm film. I'm really excited however there is one thing bothering me, the final format will be 4:3 aspect ratio.

I will be using the Arri SR2 and this will be my first time working with this camera for something other than tests.

I was just wondering if there are any tips for shooting with final output in the 4:3 other than the obvious rule of thirds etc. any tricks to give this dated aspect ratio a little more life?

thanks

Gavin Keen

Satsuki Murashige · June 1, 2009

any tricks to give this dated aspect ratio a little more life?

Watch a lot of old 4:3 movies? Hitchcock, Ford, Welles, Eisenstein, Kurosawa, Ozu, etc.

Satsuki Murashige · June 2, 2009

Also, wide angle lenses in 1.33:1 (4:3) generally give the impression of a wider perspective than in 1:85 or 2:40, where you're essentially cropping the top and bottom of the frame (at least in 35mm; I know you're shooting 16mm, where Super 16 will be wider). This can lead to all sorts of interesting compositions.

Simon Wyss · June 2, 2009

Gavin, congratulations!

Lucky man, worship the standard image aspect ratio of three to four, cognize its dymanics, the waltz rhythm, how you can slip into diagonals. Here is one who praises 3:4 and tells you. Full stop.