Structuring the 3-D Field
When you build screen volume, you consider the planes of the basic structure of the 3-dimensional field:
- Foreground: closest plane to the camera, beginning point of Z-axis
- Middleground: plane marking, middle of the z-axis
- background: plane farthest from the camera, end of the z-axis
There may be many planes or points on the z-axis. You create what appears on each plane at each point on the z-axis. You should be aware of how what you include in your shots establishes or fails to establish structure for the 3-D field. Example
Several concepts are important in working with depth
Though you may not be using a camera, these concepts are important to consider when you build depth in any visual media.
Volume Duality
Space is a negative volume. Elements we see in the space that appear to be solid constitute positive volume. Volume duality is the interplay between negative and positive values.
- Dominant positive value (emphasis on solid elements) might create a sense of restriction or confinement, crowding. Might also be used to create a sense of closeness.
- Preponderant negative volume (emphasis on space) is less restrictive, free. Might also suggest a sense of isolation.
- Open sets allow for control of volume duality because the elements are easily rearranged and lighting can be used to turn negative volume into a scenic element
Z-axis Articulation
Using positive volumes along the z-axis together with lens properties (wide-angle, narrow-angle) creates specific perception in various depth planes
Narrow-angle lens distortion
- Reduces negative volume
- Crowds (squeezes) elements
Wide angle lens distortion
- Exaggerates space and object relationships
- Creates volume conflict and double framing (the foreground object--which acts to draw attention to the other planes--and the screen)
Z-axis Blocking
- Movement of people (or other objects) along the z-axis
- Action "weaves" toward or away from the camera
Think about the eye-line from the foreground plane to the background plane. Organize the action (even when it—and the camera—are moving laterally)