Aspect Ratios

[lcwarden]

I've shot a lot of footage but have never been asked to shoot 16:9 for part of a project and 4:3 with wide margins on other parts (interviews) of the same project. I'm being asked to do so now. It's easy enough to shoot this but what is gained by having mixed aspect ratios in a project?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chris Santucci]

Nothing is to be gained by using 4:3 and 16:9 footage in the same project.

Unless there will be text or something placed out of frame in the black areas or there's some conceptual reason for it, I can't think of a good reason to do this.

.

 

[Sad Max]

Maybe they want to create the impression that the material was acquired by different teams at different times...?

 

[lcwarden]

Thank you Chris and Sad Max for your answers. I will try to get an answer for this request. I don't think that either case you mentioned applies. If the answer doesn't make sense, I'll just advise them not to do it. Of course, after that, I'll shoot whatever is requested.

 

[Erik Olson]

We are constantly asked to acquire 16:9 but frame safe for 4:3. Perhaps this is what they mean?

 

[naavt]

Nothing is to be gained by using 4:3 and 16:9 footage in the same project.

Unless there will be text or something placed out of frame in the black areas or there's some conceptual reason for it, I can't think of a good reason to do this.

Sorry if I don't agree. Of course each case will be different but if you look at one of Joris Ivens Masterpieces "Une Histoire de Vent", you can see how mixed formats can be used to achieve a great film.