Filmmaking / Directing : What Is Cinematic? by Maurice Vaughan

Hi Maurice, an art form

Hi, Billy Kwack. Could you explain?

Hi Maurice, I think it's like drawing, but alive, able to move everything around, and art form

Ok, gotcha, Billy Kwack. Interstellar is one of the most cinematic movies I've seen. What's one of the most cinematic movies you've seen?

Hi Maurice, dr strange was very visual, thinking about interstellar, I like Contact, with Jodie Foster

For me, cinematic means emotion you can feel in every frame, where visuals, sound, and pacing work together to make a story unforgettable. Can’t wait to check out the blog

I agree with using different aspect ratios. I studied the traditional ones on film class and they’re so easy to see in today’s films. But pushing the boundaries of visualization can definitely heighten the experience for the audience.

Dr. Strange was very visual, Billy Kwack. I'm not sure if I've seen Contact. Jodie Foster is an incredible actress!

I like your definition of cinematic, Smith Ade! Hope the blog is helpful!

Hi, Desiree Middleton. Does noticing aspect ratios ever get in the way of you enjoying a film?

Hi Maurice, going to see Superman in a week or 2

Cool, Billy Kwack. Superman looks incredible from the trailer and posters!

Hi Maurice, I watched a movie review on YouTube, they loved it

I feel cinematic is the best possible visual experience with whatever tools are at hand so audience has an experience that suspends their disbelief. Best lenses, camera, light/sound, equipment, location Etc obviously but equally big & low budget have good & bad films. I’m a fan of panoramic epic scenes EG Lawrence of Arabia but also enjoy tight sets if juxtaposed with psychological ride EG Shaky hand held camera, jump smash cuts, Etc.

That's a unique way of defining cinematic, Debbie Croysdale. Having an audience suspend their disbelief is important! I think it's less important in genres like Fantasy and Sci-Fi though.

@Maurice Agree suspending disbelief not so important in fantasy genres. Meant action events being plausible. EG Big budget accident/chase across major bridge would involve drones, stunt people, permission location etc. Small budget must think of ways to make audience believe same thing. EG Wide environmental cut out, driver in a car shot anywhere, close up of characters reactions. If visual story feels real I’d class it cinematic. No equipment/funds for “epoch” takes means clever choices. Vintage Noir use of shadow, dutch/uncanny camera angles, close ups, dream sequences on few or one location with small cast feels as cinematic as the “panoramic” big budget/cast blockbusters of the times.

"Small budget must think of ways to make audience believe same thing. EG Wide environmental cut out, driver in a car shot anywhere, close up of characters reactions." You're right, Debbie Croysdale. I write a lot of micro-budget short scripts and low-budget features, and I keep the budget in mind when I write them, which means coming up with clever ways to write things so they're believable without them costing a lot.

What a interesting blog. I recently bought a "real book" to breakdown my tasks as an independent filmmaker, 'Cinematic Storytelling' The 100 most powerful Film Conventions every filmmaker must know, by Jennifer Van Sijll.

Getting some of the film conventions the best one can even on a minuscule budget, can be just as important as genre obligations, and your intended audience's expectations of your protagonist.

I'm going to check out that book, Paul Rivers. I'm not a filmmaker, but I think it's helpful to know things about different areas of the industry. Thanks.