Aspect Ratio
Definition
The Aspect Ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It is typically expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9) or as a decimal ratio (e.g., 1.78:1). The most common aspect ratios in modern media include 16:9 (the standard for HD television and online video), 2.35:1 or 2.39:1 (the standard for widescreen cinema, achieved with anamorphic lenses), 1.85:1 (a common flat widescreen cinema format), and 4:3 (the standard for older television and some social media formats).
Contextual Usage
The post-production supervisor sends a delivery specification to the editor: "The theatrical version needs to be delivered in 2.39:1, but the streaming version needs to be in 1.85:1. Please ensure the edit is framed to work in both aspect ratios."
About this section
The editorial department is where the raw footage is transformed into a finished story. The editor is often described as the "invisible storyteller" — their work, when done well, is completely transpa...
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