The best directors don't leave anything to chance.
They use cinematic techniques to draw your eyes to portions of the frame
and then place important information there.
So the viewer sees exactly what the director wants them to see.
Today, we're going to talk about one of the
most important lessons a filmmaker can learn.
And exemplify it
with one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time
"Schindler's List."
Director Steven Spielberg
uses an advanced cinematic technique
to direct the eyes of the viewer.
The Eye Trace.
Eye trace
refers to when a director intentionally draws the viewer`s eyes
to a portion of the frame like this.
Or this.
A director is largely in charge of directing the viewer's eyes.
How they go about this is
what gives the director their unique style.
There are three main methods used to direct the eyes of the viewer.
Motion.
Position.
And Color.
With motion,
it can be movement of the camera, performers,
or even a little tiny graphic that moves across the screen.
"You should actually limber up as well.
Especially if we're going down that hill.
It is very important."
Position refers to placing imagery in areas of the frame
where the viewer's eyes currently live.
The chances your viewer will look somewhere else
are slim to none.
And color can be used to evoke specific emotions in your viewer.
We're going to use StudioBinder`s production software
to analyze Spielberg's use of eye trays in "Schindler's List."
Before we jump into our shot list example,
make sure to subscribe below
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Keep your eye on the prize.
Let's jump in.
Our first method for eye trace is Motion.
Let's take a look.
In this scene, the waiter is in motion.
So our eyes follow him, as he walks through the room.
Spielberg's shot size is close enough to the waiter
to signal his importance in the scene.
It`s depth of field
is shallow enough to keep our attention from straying,
and his camera movement pairs with a motion of his actor.
The motion in this scene,
guides our eyes.
Right where Spielberg wants them to be.
Our second method is Positioning.
The waiter draws the eyes to a specific spot
and we reveal Oskar Schindler.
When planning your shot list
consider how you can make the most of your shots
by merging them into a single setup.
This will not only give you creative,
highly effective visuals,
but also help you make the most out of your time on set.
Your storyboard will allow you to outline the vectors of your frame,
so that you know exactly where your viewer will have their eyes,
and when.
Which brings us to our last technique.
We've gone over how motion and position
can guide the viewer`s eyes.
Now, you may be thinking to yourself.
What about color?
And how does it apply to a black and white film?
Did you forget about this scene?
The little girl in the red coat can be spotted from Schindler's high vantage point,
and we watch with a singular focus,
as the chaos unfolds around her.
The beauty of eye trace
is that it's a cinematic strategy, rather than a rule.
Just ask yourself,
what the focus of this shot should be?
And leverage the three methods.
Let's recap.
While using it eye trace method
to guide the eyes of the viewer, remember.
Motion, including camera movement, props and actors.
Positioning.
Where you place subjects in the established view.
And Color.
Where you use color to draw the viewer`s eyes.
Use these three methods to direct the audience's eyes
to precisely where you want.
And don't be afraid to combine these methods for the ultimate effect.
If you plan to use eye trace,
you will want to use shot lists and storyboards to capture your ideas.
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What are your favorite examples of eye trace?
How did the director use these methods to guide the viewer's eyes?
Tell us in the comments.
Take a lesson from "Schindler's List."
Real cinematic power
doesn't come from technocranes and self-indulgent visuals.
It's when we have every reason to throw in all the bells and whistles,
and we don't.
That's real power.
"Power
is when we have every justification to kill.
And we don't."