Frame composition for web at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Techniques for Independent Production

Techniques for Independent Production
The challenges of creating Digital Cinema and other narrative forms.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old May 19th, 2010, 10:53 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Posts: 425
Frame composition for web

I'm planning on doing a web series later this year and I was thinking about how many viewers would be watching on fairly small monitors attached to their computers.

I'm wondering if I should not try any shallow DOF and avoid busy backgrounds, because most people wouldn't see it anyway. Instead I'd use very contrasting colors (like yellow and blue) as much as I could because on a small screen it would be easier to see what was happening.

I'm a little spoiled because I have a 32 inch HDTV as a computer monitor. So when I watch stuff online, I see it pretty big. If I had to watch it on a 12 inch monitor I'd be straining to catch the details, and I wouldn't enjoy it too much.

Anyone else have those considerations? Or am I over concerned because I'm putting something on the web?
Dennis Stevens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2010, 06:52 AM   #2
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 27
In my opinion, you want to create the best experience for the widest possible audience. In general, this would mean good SD video as opposed to HD.

Shallow depth of field still flies in good SD, very high level of detail and busy backgrounds usually don't. Contrasting colours might not be the best approach, though, because while low spec monitors would benefit, it may look hideous and heavy-handed for those with average-to-better displays. I'd suggest shooting colour normally- the web encoding will compress the material anyway and a low grade display will still show it as best it can.

I would say though, avoid overly dark scenes. LCD displays- particularly on laptops- don't have the range in black areas necessary to see detail. You only have to look at a lot of "film-look" material rendered with post-software (with it's gamma and black stretch tweaked to look like celluloid) to see a murky black mess where there should be gradual detail.

Although you haven't mentioned composition, aim for TV-style framing rather than the cinematic because the scale cinema uses for wide shots really doesn't translate that well to a small youtube window or a 15in monitor. Close-ups are your friend. Try to light and mic and mix as you would for a better transmission medium- it'll raise the production value even on cheap displays and laptop audio.
__________________
Daniel J Brant
Corporate, Fiction and Promotional Video- enborneriver.co.uk
Daniel J. Brant is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Techniques for Independent Production

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:34 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network