In filmmaking, controlling (or being aware of) what the viewer looks at within the frame is a powerful technique called Eye Trace that directors, cinematographers, and editors use to focus a viewer’s attention on what matters.
In this article, we’ll delve into what eye trace means, why it holds immense importance in storytelling, and what editors should keep in mind during post-production to ensure that eye trace is part of their everyday thinking when assembling scenes.
Understanding Eye Trace
Maybe you’ve been to a magic show lately and were amazed when a magician picked an audience member’s card out of a deck of 52 playing cards while pick-pocketing their wristwatch. This unbelievable trick, and others like it, relies on directing the audience’s attention in one place while they do something in another.
A similar technique exists in film because the audience doesn’t notice every detail within the frame. Instead, a viewer’s eyes naturally follow a predictable path as they scan the frame. That path is called the viewer’s eye trace.
Imagine standing in a movie theater near the screen, turned around, and facing the audience. You could watch the audience’s heads and eyes move seemingly in sync as the movie plays behind you.
Humans naturally focus their attention on objects that are, in this order:
- Brighter
- Larger
- In-Focus
- Moving
- Eyes
- Mouth
As filmmakers, understanding eye trace gives you the power to deliberately arrange elements within a shot or sequence to guide the audience’s attention in a particular direction. This concept ensures that viewers instinctively focus on the most significant aspects of the frame. Using eye trace, you can hide objects you don’t want them to look at, like bad continuity, or encourage them to see a detail like a matching physical action before a cut. In his Advanced Film Editing Workshop on EditMentor, Stephen Mark ACE, says “I keep the audience’s eyes away from what I don’t want them to see.”
The Importance of Eye Trace
Eye trace is pivotal because it enhances storytelling in multiple ways:
1. Guided Engagement: When viewers are effortlessly guided through a scene, they remain engrossed in the story rather than getting caught up in deciphering the visual context.
2. Subtle Storytelling: Filmmakers can use eye trace to subtly communicate information. For instance, drawing attention to a character’s reaction during a conversation can hint at their true emotions or thoughts.
3. Visual Flow: Proper eye trace maintains a fluid visual flow, preventing jarring cuts or compositions that could disrupt the viewer’s immersion.
4. Visual Hierarchy: Filmmakers can emphasize key narrative elements by placing them in the trajectory of the eye trace, ensuring that crucial details are noticed and understood.
5. Cohesive Editing: Eye trace aids editors in creating seamless cuts that make the editing process invisible, fostering a seamless viewing experience.
Post-Production Considerations for Editors
Editors play a pivotal role in shaping eye trace during post-production. According to esteemed editor Walter Murch’s rule of six, eye trace is the fourth most essential factor to consider when creating a cut.
Here are some essential considerations for editors:
- Continuity: When cutting between shots, always consider eye trace. A character’s simple hand movement or head turn can hide a costume change or missing prop. Eye trace is significant when editing montages because the shots in the montage may otherwise be unrelated.
- Motion Direction: Consider the direction of motion within the frame when cutting between shots. Did a character point or walk somewhere? The audience will join the character and look in that same direction. Not paying attention to eye trace here means the shots may no longer have a logical flow. Characters or objects may appear to jump unnaturally between frames.
- Gaze and Composition: Pay attention to the characters’ gaze within a scene. If a character looks off-screen, it’s a cue for viewers to follow their line of sight and look in the same direction as the character.
- Compositional Flow: Ensure that the dominant visual elements (largest or brightest shapes) naturally lead the viewer’s eyes from one frame to the next. Sometimes, this technique is called a match cut. Use lines, movement, and framing to establish this flow.
- Rhythm and Pacing: The timing of cuts impacts eye trace. Pace cuts to allow viewers to process the information before moving on. In other words, you must give the audience enough time to move their eyes where you want them to look before cutting
Conclusion
In the intricate tapestry of filmmaking, eye trace stands as a cornerstone of visual storytelling. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of directors, cinematographers, and editors who collaborate to guide audiences through captivating narratives. By understanding the significance of eye trace and mastering its implementation in post-production, filmmakers can ensure that their stories unfold seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on the minds and hearts of viewers.
