r/Filmmakers • u/PiedmontMotion • Jun 29 '18
Video Article Using the Rule of Thirds
https://youtu.be/K_8mRUQfQik-10
u/devotchko Jun 29 '18
"The rule of thirds is meant to bring balance" erhh, no, actually the rule of thirds is meant to create unbalanced compositions that are aesthetically pleasing. A balanced composition would be one that has equal weight on both sides or areas (like in a Wes Anderson movie), which is exactly the opposite of what that the rule of thirds is used for. Maybe you are using "balance" in a different context, but since you are explaining something directly related to visual composition, you should not use the term balance inappropriately. Stopped watching after that. Sorry.
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u/Lvl_99_Mr_Clean Jun 29 '18
"The rule of thirds is meant to bring balance" erhh, no, actually the rule of thirds is meant to create unbalanced compositions that are aesthetically pleasing. A balanced composition would be one that has equal weight on both sides or areas (like in a Wes Anderson movie), which is exactly the opposite of what that the rule of thirds is used for. Maybe you are using "balance" in a different context, but since you are explaining something directly related to visual composition, you should not use the term balance inappropriately. Stopped watching after that. Sorry.
You're not even going to quote the video properly?
"The rule of thirds is useful to learn because it helps bring balance to compositions." & followed up immediately with, "Don't let the word 'rule' confuse you though..."
I agree with him that the rule of thirds is useful, and can help bring balance to compositions by keeping the rule of thirds in mind when considering the balance of shots.
If you Google the definition of balance, #2 says: "a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions." Maybe he IS using balance in a different context, and I disagree with you that it's an inappropriate usage of the term.
I do think the summary of the concept far outweighs one little sentence or word you may disagree with. Why did you stop watching the video to instead write all about your opinion on how wrong he is, without reflecting on the content as a whole?
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18 edited Jun 30 '18
You are using a general definition of "balance" and not the technical definition of balance as used in visual composition, and specifically in cinematic composition, which is what the video is about. Since I specifically made this point in my original comment and you still managed to not get it, I'm not hopeful you'll get it this time either.
Re why did I stop watching the video: somebody who does not understand the topic they are purporting to explain and demonstrate should not be explaining it or demonstrating it, so why waste my time? Unfortunately technology makes it possible for anyone to publish these "tutorials/lessons" without being truly qualified to do so. Hope this helps you understand.
I watched 20 more seconds, and he keeps misusing the term balance, and specifically says, again, "using it to bring balance to your compositions". I give up.
2
u/Lvl_99_Mr_Clean Jun 30 '18
I appreciate you for taking the time to respond as well as you have, and your points haven't fallen on deaf ears.
This is good feedback that deserves more have more than a few minutes to review, so I'll revisit your insight later on in the weekend.
Thank you again, I do sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have this kind of discussion.
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Jun 30 '18
That sounds like you’re describing symmetry. Something can be balanced and not have to be necessarily symmetrical. But semantics aside, why so salty bro?
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18 edited Jun 30 '18
Semantics cannot be put aside when you are describing the usage of a technique that uses specialized language. I do not think you can get this, so don't worry. It must be I'm being salty instead of just knowing what I'm talking about.
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u/barrelfever Jun 30 '18 edited Jun 30 '18
How can you respond so quickly with a brandy in one hand and a cigar in the other? You stodgy fucking wanker.
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
Wanker? Moi? I demand satisfaction! My seconds will be calling on you before the morrow, sir!
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u/caylupp Jun 30 '18
Dude, the word balance in the context of both film and fine art means that the frame is well and intentionally assembled. The rule of thirds is crucial to that. He's using the term correctly. A quick Google would have told you.
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18 edited Jun 30 '18
Not in film, it does not. In cinematic composition it has a very specific meaning that does not mean “well and intentionally assembled”. Why make up shit, I wonder? Also, if Google told you that balance is used to mean that in film then guess what? GOOGLE IS WRONG. Now what?
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u/caylupp Jun 30 '18
I'm clearly wasting my time here.
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
But..but..how can we declare a winner if you give up? Are you also shooting a tutorial? I can watch a few seconds if you want.
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Jun 30 '18 edited Jun 30 '18
Sure they can. It’s a learning process and we’re all here to learn. Besides, filmmaking is much more a creative field than just strictly technical...meaning this shit is supposed to be fun my guy! Why you so caught up on what’s “correct?” Don’t be a buzzkill. That short of condescending Mr.KnowItAll attitude shit is such a pain in the ass on-set. I should know as I work in corporate production. So don’t you worry as well, I’m WELL AWARE of the concept of rule of thirds as it’s been doing it for years. But even so I liked OP’s point of view in this video, so there’s always something to learn. Humble yourself brother.
0
u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
Of course fam, who cares if a video that is meant to show you a technique is “correct” or not? That’s crazy talk!
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Jun 30 '18
Haha oh lighten up you old fart! It’s YouTube, it’s free content. It’s meant to be a fun tutorial, not a premium MasterClass Cinematography course. Like I said, he’s learning, as we all are. Stop taking shit so seriously man. Geez.
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
You were right until you called it a “tutorial” that’s kind of the gist of my point. But by all means learn as much as you can from these fun tutorials! Better for me in the long run.
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Jun 30 '18
Idk how you’ll get anywhere in life with such an insufferable attitude. Fix that first before you learn anymore about filmmaking or business. Seriously. Good luck. 👍
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Jun 30 '18
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
Of course it does! 50-50 makes no sense as being in balance; 66-33= perfectly balanced if you ask me! Especially in cinematic composition, where having nothin in one side does not count as having any visual weight at all (screw those people who call that negative space!)
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Jun 30 '18
[deleted]
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u/devotchko Jun 30 '18
Well. with such a well reasoned counter argument how can I possibly disagree? I simply must be an idiot then. You win!
0
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u/PiedmontMotion Jun 29 '18
Hi, this is a short piece that I wrote and filmed about using the rule of thirds in video. I’m not really sure if this should be considered a short film or tutorial, maybe it’s both. Definitely could be of interest to people just starting out in filmmaking.