Four Checks for Better Video Composition

Filmmaker Darious Britt suggests four essential checks before hitting record to improve video composition. These include identifying and eliminating "dead space," removing "distracting elements" that pull attention from the subject, avoiding "awkward crops" that cut off subjects unnaturally, and ensuring the frame clearly captures the "main action." Britt emphasizes the importance of scanning the frame's edges, a practice sometimes called "border patrol" in still photography, to catch unintended elements. He notes that smaller camera sensors and a lack of longer lenses can exacerbate these issues, recommending adjustments like reframing or changing the shot concept when necessary.