FRAMING

In the following coverage of framing for television, we will not dwell on photographic composition, because it was addressed in Chapter 12. Instead, we will show you simple line drawing examples of television framing to show you how to present elements within the small 3:4 fixed aspect ratio of the television picture.

Use the following guidelines when you frame subjects or objects:

l One-talent framing. When only one talent is talking directly into the camera, place the talent in the middle of the picture to give him maximum emphasis (fig. 14-33).

l Single-object framing. When you shoot a single object, frame it directly in the middle of the picture (fig. 14-34).

l Framing talent looking left or right. When the talent looks left or right, give him space within the picture to look (fig. 14-35).

l Framing talent (extreme close-up). When you want an extreme close-up of the talent, crop space at the top of his head, not the bottom (fig. 14-36).

Figure 14-35. - Framing talent looking left or right.

Figure 14-36. - Framing talent (extreme close-up).

Figure 14-37. - Framing talents of different heights.

Figure 14-38. - Framing a moving talent.

Framing talents of different heights. When you frame talents of different heights, do not cut the head off one or the other (fig. 14-37).

Framing a moving talent. When you frame a moving talent, give him room in which to move (fig. 14-38).

Figure 14-39. - Framing multiple talents.

s Framing multiple talents. When you frame multiple talents, such as a "two-shot," position the camera as shown in figure 14-39. This helps to establish a relationship between the talents. l Framing multiple talents with two cameras.

When you frame multiple talents using two cameras, keep the cameras on the same side of the "action axis" shown in figure 14-40. This will prevent the reversal of screen direction in the picture.

Use high and low camera angles with caution. High angles tend to foreshorten legs, while low angles may distort the body and face. Additionally, be aware of set areas or props that seem to be growing out of, or balanced on, a talent's head (fig. 14-41).

Figure 14-41. - Improperly placed prop and set area.