Design Principles in Film

Emphasis & Contrast

Emphasis is drawing attention to a particular element or character using size, color, texture or positioning. Contrast is when two things that are strikingly different are put next to each other. 

Negative Space

Closely related to emphasis and scale, negative space is when an object or character is shown as a small element in the context of a clean or empty background. This draws attention to element by pushing our attention away from the negative space.

This is typically used to show isolation, loneliness or the feeling of insignificance. 

Scale

A way to frame a scene in which the size of the main element is used to focus our attention either on internal emotions (in closeups) on the character's attitude, presence or attributes ( in medium shots) or on the character's relationship the environment (in wide shots).

Proximity

Proximity helps establish relationships between elements based on how close those elements are to each other. In film, proximity is typically used to show the relationship between characters or elements of a frame.

Balance and Symmetry

Balance is the even distribution of wight enabling someone or something to remain steady in the frame. In film it is when different elements are equal distributed across the frame or in the correct proportions or positions. 

There are three examples of balance: Symmetrical, asymmetrical, and Radial 

Symmetry is when a frame is the same on either side of an imaginary line in the middle of the frame. Asymmetrical is when either side of the frame is unequal but still feels like the weight of objects is distributed equally on both sides of the frame. Radial balance is when symmetry radiates from a central point in the frame. 

Pattern and Repetition

This is when the same element is repeated multiple times within the frame. Repetition is the recurrence of an action, event, or design element. A pattern can also be found in textures, sets, wardrobe and style of the film.

Texture

The way in which a film uses objects or environment in the frame and their texture to create a mood. Are the textures in the shot sleek, clean and modern, or are they rough, dirty and gritty?

Layers and Transparency

The way in which a film uses objects that appear over each other. These can be futuristic elements, film overlays or scenes that transition from one over the other.  

Color Theory

The way in which a film uses color to emphasize or create a mood or style. This is when the frame uses stablished rules of color, such as using complementary, analogous, tertiary, etc. It is also when a film uses color grading to stylize, using hue, saturation and brightness variations.  

Rule of Thirds

A framing method used by designers, artists and photographers and film makers in which you divide a picture into a grid of 9 rectangles. Then you put any important subject or object in the intersection of those lines. 

Time and Motion

The way the action happens on a scene. Is the scene serene and still with the camera and characters barely moving, or is it fast, frenetic and displayed in quick edits. Is the movie shot in real time, sped up or slowed down. This is all about about the movement of characters, the movement of the camera and the manipulation of time.