B-FLAT

Filmmaking is both a technical endeavor and a creative one, and the two are inextricably linked to one another. Understanding how the technical aspects impact the creative and vice versa means you will have greater command over the medium.

Let’s look a little closer at some of the creative and technical aspects that you will be contending with every time you pick up a camera.

There is a little acronym that reminds us how our technical decisions inform our creative choices before we start the camera rolling.

Let’s dive in and ask some questions about the camera. Specifically, let’s look at the following concepts:

• • • • • • • • B: balance
              • F: focus
              • L: lens
              • A: aperture
              • T: temperature

Using B-FLAT before every shot reminds you to pause and ask, “Have I made the strongest creative choices for this moment?” It is a constant reminder to double-check the decisions you have made (or have failed to make!).

Use B-FLAT, and your audience will thank you.

B-FLAT is there to help you make decisions. These decisions are sometimes technical, but they are always creative. And at the heart of every decision lies the question: What do you want your audience to feel?