4:3 to 16:9
The shooting of What a Witch was done in an aspect ratio of 4:3 on DV, but is meant to be published in an aspect ratio of 16:9 (Widescreen). As on film, ledger lines were used on the screen:
The Screen is upside down, caused by adding lenses to the camera (Canon XL1S DV, DOP: Michael Franklin). For a great look, this was unavoidable.
After capturing the footage it was turned around 180° (which delays the working process extremely). Really not recommended!
But the actual problem was, how to fit the material of a 4:3 apect ratio to a widescreen project.
An editing project must be configured in a certain aspect ratio before its editing as it is not possible to change this afterwards. The method of resolution must be defined before. There is nothing worse than noticing a wrong strategy in the export.
Of course you might think: Just put black letter bars on it! But be careful: A negative impact is caused by this method of strategy.
Although it looks like a film in widescreen, the actual aspect ratio is still 4:3.
Screens in 16:9 are becoming more and more standard. By publishing a video with letter bars in a 4:3 aspect on a Widescreen-TV, it would look like this:
To avoid this consequence an alternative method was used. Shown on the example of Adobe Premiere Pro CS3:
The project was set up in a 16:9 aspect ratio. With the 4:3 footage, a vertical free zone appears on the left and right side:
By scaling the footage of 136% the widescreen aspect ratio is reconstructed:
The scope on the top and bottom is now cropped without adding black letter bars. The picture would be filled out on a widescreen now. This method has the positive side effect of varying the detail of the photograph in the vertical orientation:
The bad side effect: By scaling the picture the sharpness is decreased in smidgen. With adding a sharpener effect of 20% it can be adjusted:
Indeed it is a wasteful process and takes a lot of time but this is worthwhile for the final product. Especially for the occasion that Widscreen-TVs are removing the used 4:3 screens and are fast becoming standard. Ultimately “What a Witch” shall fit to this new standard!
Tags: Aspect Ratio, What a Witch, Widescreen
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November 29th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Simply run the rushes through and ‘ARC’ prior to edit to re-format to 16:9. then to Non-linear direct out to omit generation loss.
BBC standard!!
Shooting DV = big mistake, but we specialize in film grading and could grade for film like DOF and colour emulsions.
Liked the trailer, but the cut timings need looking at.
For low budget shorts I would of opted for a Panny HVX200 and a Letus 35 (Cheaper than a P&S mini 35, Pro 35 or the MovieTube – MovieTube, don’t want to go there!! Did a Promo for Playboy, and needed a hella-lotta lights 40k for the slow mo shot – mind you the DOF was a matter of millimeters with the lens we were on,
…The D’ asked for a 10m track in on the Chapman….I laughed!!
The Panny is good for dumping direct to hard drive live + you are on HD with over and under cranking options available!!
November 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
An ARC is indeed the best solution but it is also a question of the possibilities we have. No-Budget means mostly that we use the technical equipment we own personally.
But it would be great if a new project will be established afterwards out of this one. Depending on its distribution and success a project with better financial conditions can be made.
Hopefully with support of sponsorship and foundation.
What about cooperation with Pokadot Media responsible for the technical advice then
December 1st, 2008 at 1:46 am
No promises, but we would see into that at that time, should finance be available.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
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