A Technical Guide for Media Art Nexus

Here are a couple of technical findings that I have collated during my course of framing and shooting for the Media Art Nexus. I hope this will prove useful for anyone thinking about working on live-footage record and image-based works for the screen.

Aspect Ratio

With a resolution of 3840 x 480, the aspect ratio that one should compose for the Media Art Nexus is 8:1

For context, anamorphic formats have an aspect ratio of 2.35/2.39/2.40:1

 

Focal Length

Recommend to go wider to maximise the distance between objects in the frame as well as achieving a greater depth of field (more things focused in the image).

I went with focal lengths between 20-24mm on an APSC/Super 35mm sensor and found that they work well.

 

Aperture

Recommend closing down the aperture at a higher f-stop to get a greater depth of field and increased sharpness/crispness in the image. I found f/8 to be a good start and going beyond for better results.

However, it should be thought about as a choice in terms of the type of imagery one would like to achieve with the shot.

 

Sound Design

Subtle ambient sounds do not fair as well as mixed sound design with proper leveling as the space is quite open and generally noisy.

 

Potential Considerations | Record in HDR

Shooting at a high dynamic range would reflect a closer representation of the values perceived with the human eye, possibly generating more engaging images

Potential Considerations | Shoot with a small sensor

Shooting on a smaller sensor will result with a deeper depth of field which will render clearer and crisper images that I find work better for the screen.

 

Author: Jeth

Film Student | Food Obsessed | Caffeine Junkie

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