What is Frame Rate? — Ultimate Guide to Frames Per Second Explained [Shot List, Ep. 8]

Summary

In this episode of 'The Shot List,' we explore the impact of frame rates on motion perception in film. From the traditional 24 fps to experimental high-frame rates like 120 fps in 'Gemini Man,' the video dives into how frame rates affect cinematic visuals. It covers techniques like slow motion, fast motion, and the use of lower frame rates to create choppy effects, all while emphasizing the importance of capture and presentation rates. Practical tips on managing frame rates for different effects are also provided, helping filmmakers create visually stunning projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Films are made up of sequences, scenes, and shots, with frame rate being an essential element in how motion is perceived on screen.
• 😀 Frame rate, expressed in frames per second (FPS), is crucial in creating the illusion of motion in film.
• 😀 Traditional cinema uses a frame rate of 24 FPS, which became the standard with the advent of sound in movies.
• 😀 Higher frame rates, such as 48 FPS for 'The Hobbit' or 120 FPS for 'Gemini Man,' aim to reduce motion blur and create a more immersive experience.
• 😀 Frame rates above 24 FPS result in smoother motion, while lower frame rates can make motion appear choppy or jerky.
• 😀 Filmmakers can use lower frame rates, such as 6 FPS or 12 FPS, to achieve effects like choppy motion or a vintage look, as seen in 'Domino' and other films.
• 😀 Slow motion effects are achieved by shooting at higher frame rates (e.g., 48 FPS, 60 FPS, or even 300 FPS) and playing it back at 24 FPS.
• 😀 High frame rates (e.g., 1000 FPS in 'Zombieland') are used to capture motion imperceptible to the human eye, often enhancing action or horror sequences.
• 😀 Slow motion can highlight emotions, actions, or impacts, with a significant narrative effect, as shown in fight scenes or explosions.
• 😀 When shooting for different types of motion (normal, fast, slow), the capture rate (FPS recorded) must align with the presentation rate (FPS seen by the audience) to ensure visual consistency.
• 😀 Mixing frame rates is a technique used intentionally, such as using slower frame rates for fast motion effects or higher frame rates for slow motion, but shouldn't be done for normal motion to avoid visual inconsistency.

Q & A

What is the fundamental illusion that cinema is built upon?

Cinema is built upon the illusion of motion, where a series of still images played consecutively creates the perception of movement.

What is frame rate, and how is it measured?

Frame rate is the number of individual frames (still images) shown within one second, measured in frames per second (FPS). For example, 30 FPS means 30 frames are shown per second.

Why is 24 FPS considered the cinematic standard?

24 FPS became the cinematic standard because it was fast enough to synchronize sound and slow enough to save on film costs. It has been used consistently in cinema for decades.

What frame rate was used in 'The Hobbit' and why?

'The Hobbit' was shot at 48 FPS, aiming to reduce motion blur and eye strain, especially for 3D presentations, and to create a more immersive audience experience.

What does shooting at a higher frame rate, such as 120 FPS, do for a film?

Shooting at a higher frame rate, like 120 FPS, makes motion appear smoother and closer to real life, providing a more immersive experience, as seen in 'Gemini Man'.

How do filmmakers create fast motion effects with lower frame rates?

Filmmakers create fast motion effects by undercranking the camera, using a lower frame rate, which makes the motion appear choppy or jerky when played back at normal speed.

What is 'step printing' in filmmaking?

Step printing is a technique where frames shot at a low frame rate are repeated to create a specific effect. For example, shooting at 6 FPS and repeating each frame to create a normal 24 FPS playback with a blur effect.

How is slow motion achieved in filmmaking?

Slow motion is achieved by shooting at a frame rate higher than the playback rate, such as 48 FPS, 60 FPS, or even 120 FPS. This allows filmmakers to slow down motion while maintaining clarity.

What role do high frame rates play in capturing extreme slow motion effects?

High frame rates are used to capture motion that the human eye cannot perceive in real time. For instance, in 'The Hurt Locker,' extreme slow motion was used to capture explosions, showcasing details that would be invisible at normal speeds.

How does the relationship between capture rate and presentation rate affect the final output of a film?

The capture rate refers to how many frames the camera records, while the presentation rate is the frame rate at which the audience views the film. To maintain normal motion, both rates must match. For slow motion, the capture rate should exceed the presentation rate, and for fast motion, the capture rate should be slower.