Rule of Thirds - Cinematography Composition

This post will be about the second most important rule to do with video composition, the ‘Rule of Thirds’ (ROT). The ROT is a basic video compositioning tool, which if followed correctly can help any piece of video footage look more professional. The ROT is basically a grid of 9 squares which split the camera frame up into three horizontal lines and three vertical lines. Usually within film a person or subject will never be shown in the middle third. A person or subject will usually be shown in the left third or the middle third. This also helps the viewer understand the positioning of the subjects, and also fits in with the ‘180 degree rule’. This is because the subject could be on the left third, looking from right to left, and the second subject could be in the right third looking from left to right. If there was to be a subject in the middle third, there would be empty space either side of the frame. As well as positioning a subject within the vertical thirds, they need to be positioned within the horizontal thirds as well. This can be done simply by placing the subject’s eye line within the bottom right intersection of the top left third, or the bottom left intersection of the top right third. This rule helps fill the frame, and stops too much empty space accumulating above the subjects head.

The ROT is used within photography and video production; the same positioning rules are applied to both. The horizon in an establishing landscape shot should be positioned within the bottom horizontal third. On most digital cameras, the option to have a ‘grid’ on the screen is available whilst filming or taking pictures, this is a grid that can be used as the ROT. 

Throughout the production of our children’s film opening, the rule of thirds will be another essential rule to follow to ensure our footage looks more professional and to keep our cinematography composition correct. The example video below talks more about the ROT, and shows an example of a bad composition whilst filming and a good one. It also talks about how to use the vertical line of thirds more efficiently.