Choosing an aspect ratio

[Nick Pasquariello]

Unfortunately Arnold, increasingly, there are less and less "rules" that "have" to be adhered to. It really comes down to, well, ultimately, who decides what the output is? Is it you? If so, then you decide what the aspect ratio will be. Is it a client? Does the client care? Does the client know enough to care? Depending on those answers, then it may STILL be you that gets to decide. Is the product going to Theaters? Broadcast TV? Web only? iPads? Android Phones? Art installation? Projected onto the side of a building?

Because you're right: to get the best composition, you need to be aware of all deliverable options before you start shooting. However, everyone is different, and will have different main avenues of delivery, which all have their own needs.

If you're making your own demo reel to show what you can do, then I would say YOU get to decide the aspect ratio.

[Scott Crawley]

What do I consider when choosing an aspect ratio? Why would I choose other than 16:9?

Some stories just play better in other formats. For example; 2:1 might better serve a drama about a divorcing couple, who are emotionally miles apart, than 4:3.

If you have the option, ask yourself will one format better lend itself to a composition that is meaningful to your subject matter than another? But don't forget your personal comfort level. Can you make good use of the real estate? Can you compose comfortably in the chosen ratio? Sometimes it just doesn't feel right.

[Arnold F.]

2:1 sounds good to me. If I understand correctly, it could be cropped down to 16:9? I could set my frame lines to 2:1 and just be aware that my headroom won't change? I could have this all wrong.

Some stories just play better in other formats. For example; 2:1 might better serve a drama about a divorcing couple, who are emotionally miles apart, than 4:3.

If you have the option, ask yourself will one format better lend itself to a composition that is meaningful to your subject matter than another? But don't forget your personal comfort level. Can you make good use of the real estate? Can you compose comfortably in the chosen ratio? Sometimes it just doesn't feel right.

[Matt Ryan]

2:1 sounds good to me. If I understand correctly, it could be cropped down to 16:9? I could set my frame lines to 2:1 and just be aware that my headroom won't change? I could have this all wrong.

2:1 is wider than 16x9 so you'll have to chop off a bit of the sides to get 16x9. Or if you want letter-boxed just output to a 16x9 format such as 1920x1080 and it will be the full 2:1 inside the 16x9 image.