Post Production Tips: Lower Thirds - 10 Do's, 10 Don'ts


Post-Production Tips: Lower Thirds 

10 Do's, 10 Don'ts 

By: Michael French 


Attention to detail is a must for every service we provide at 16:9 Post. So, we thought we would dig deep into detail on one of the details of post-production…lower thirds. 

Whether it’s film, tv, or digital, here are 10 Do’s and 10 Don’ts to ensure your lower thirds add to your story without distracting from it.

DO:

1.    Use a lower third when a person’s identity would not be known without seeing their info in text.

2.    Use a lower third when you need more information than visuals and sound provide to complete the story.

3.    Base your lower third graphics on the style of other graphics already used in the project.

4.    Ensure that there is ample contrast between the lower third and the background.

5.    Choose colors that complement the color scheme of the project but create enough contrast to stand out.

6.    Create consistency in the lower thirds used throughout the project.

7.    Utilize the tools needed to tell the story and fit the project style (can include combinations of typography, images, graphics, shapes, logos, images, motion graphics and video).

8.    Pick fonts that are legible and can be flexibly used throughout the project.

9.    Keep the lower third up long enough for a viewer to read each word twice.

10. Use templates for ideas and inspiration.

DON’T:

1.    Use random fonts that don’t match the other aspects of the project or brand.

2.    Put too much text on the screen. Too much text is too much work - the more text, the more likely it will get ignored by the viewer. Only say what you NEED to say in a lower third.

3.    Hug the lower third too close to the screen’s edge – some viewing devices may cut it off.

4.    Cover key elements of the scene or talent.

5.    Rule out the use of sound in combination with a lower third.

6.    Over-do it with distracting animation or graphics.

7.    Keep the lower third in the lower third just because it is called a “lower third” – it’s the most common place, but it may not be the best placement for your scene.

8.    Go overboard with animated text. Yes, it can add personality and draw attention, but sometimes it can be a distraction from the story.

9.    Get too complicated when simple would fit just fine.

10. Do it alone. If you need more than simple text and you have the budget, hire a talented designer to create graphics that will pop.
Location: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Production Trends: Camera Stabilization and Specialization

Image
(Photo from Production Hub article.)  PRODUCTION TRENDS:  Camera Stabilization & Specialization By: Michael French We may be a post-production house, but our clients head our way from the production side of things. So, at times we pass along industry news that will help you bring the most dynamic footage into post. And, today we came across an interview on Production Hub's website   with Alan Lennox, veteran Steadicam operator and, now, Camera Stabilization Systems Specialist at manufacturer ARRI. He discussed how our entertainment market, currently flooded with distribution outlets, production companies, and shows of every ilk and iteration, is also an opportunity for differentiating yourself. A newer trend for doing so is meeting the viewer’s demand for high quality camera work that has more movement, is more subjective and more involved with specialized cameras and motion. Check out the full article.  
Read more

POST-PRODUCTION TIPS: BREAKING INTO AR & VR

Image
POST-PRODUCTION TIPS: BREAKING INTO AR & VR  By Michael French AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) and, the newest form of altered reality have had an obvious place in the gaming industry for a while now and is slowly making its way into the entertainment industry as better and better (and more affordable) user technology is developed. But, what you may not realize is the broader use of AR/VR in industries like healthcare, retail, marketing, education, military, travel/tourism, music, fashion, manufacturing and more. In short, entertainment-folk, learn AR and VR and you have amazing growth potential whether the entertainment business is flourishing or not! Let’s say that now you are intrigued. What’s next? You know nothing about AR and VR… Start with the basics: Augmented Reality  is the addition of digital element overlays to a live view of reality, such as filters that give you cat ears in social platforms or being able to catch a Pokemon 2 feet i
Read more

Post-Production Tips: Keeping the Workflow Flowing Despite COVID

Image
Post-Production Tips: Keeping the Workflow Flowing Despite COVID  By Michael French With so many health and safety limitations on production these days, a lot of the onus to bring a project to life falls on the post-production staff. Making something out of almost nothing is not an easy task, but we need to find a creative way to do so if we want to be working these days.  With this in mind, we have outlined 8 tips to help you keep the lights on and your output at top notch. 1.      You still need high quality equipment, so you have two options if your team doesn’t already own a workstation at home: One, find a post house that takes the COVID situation seriously and allows your team to come in to a safe, distanced space (ahem…we have that covered at 16:9 Post); Two, rent high-quality, customized workstations (we have that covered too). 2.      Map out team communication protocols with regular team calls/video conferences and set up communication platforms for group c
Read more