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
and click the bell
icon for video updates.
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.
Check the description to
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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."
