What is the rule of thirds in regards to film making?

The rule of thirds is a method used by film makers (And artists) to help create a pleasing composition, the frame is broken up into thirds, vertically and horizontally, intersecting to create 9 equal squares

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But why use it? Well what artists and cinematographers have proven that the intersecting points are a good indicator for where the human eye (Audience/Viewer) is drawn to. Aligning a subject with these points can create more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject.

• Putting your subject on the left third or the right third can have multiple meanings. It can be as simple as giving the subject looking/talking space. It can also be used to give the subject negative space creating tension.
• The first horizontal line is a good indicator for a subjects eye line.
• Landscape horizons are best used in the rule of thirds when they are along the first or second third horizontal line.

Film makers are always searching for a visually pleasing shot, to create something really cinematic. What i think makes a shot cinematic is that is has the ability to make the shot have a deeper meaning. To make the viewer engage in the image asking themselves questions about the story. This is what i strive to be able to achieve in my film making journey. I hope you enjoyed my brief explanation of the rule of thirds i will be exploring this concept and others further in this blog series until next time this is Lance signing off.