From Boring to Cinematic: The Power of Focal Length

[@botbot3698]

this channel is a breath of fresh air

[@sega.milkis]

especially in the end of the video 😆😆😆

[@Mrim86]

Aesthetically, long lenses are great with their bokeh, but I'm a big believer that the 28-50mm range really does allow you to connect with a subject on a more emotional level. I always thought that concept was purely academic, but the more I shoot, the more truth I find in it. That focal range also allows for some great dynamics camera movement, whereas longer lenses often keep you confined. But, regardless, some great insight here. I love the topics you cover on this channel.

[@John-e4p1x]

You and roger deakins.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Yeah I completely agree with your statement. In fact I love the 35mm and 50mm. But I personally believe that they require more planning in terms of set dressing while with a longer lens even a 70mm you can cheat a little bit. I agree with what you said in regards of the connection with the character. Long lenses make you more an external observer, still I love their look hahaha. I appreciate your comment!

[@Mrim86]

@@jimmyonfilm great point. The wider the lens, the more talented of a production designer you need!

[@davidswanson5669]

The way I’ve seen it work, is that you want to decide, in each scene, whose perspective we want to feel the scene from. Then use wide lenses when we are “seeing” whatever that character sees, and then use long lenses whenever someone else is “looking” at the key person. The result is long lens closeups when showing the key character onscreen, and wide shots of everything else. Not a rule, but it’s nice to help an audience be grounded to one character in any given scene.

[@heythere6983]

Can someone explain how focal length and aspect ratio ? So if I wanted to shoot everything like a movie with a specific aspect ratio then I’d have to find specific lenses that zoom in they ratio , right? I can’t just pick a lense for its zooming ability but also consider aspect ratios? For me “widescreen” movies always look the most cinematic 16:9. I also wonder what apps make a movie color saturate like zack Snyder’s “300”(random but curious if anyone has info)

[@albertos.r.4455]

To be able to express concepts in such a concise and clear manner is very rare. You have this talent.

[@mightbefire]

I love the cinematic aspects of the more cinematic lens used, with a whole emphasis and focus on a cinematic feel, which leads to the very cinematic (while not just simply good and interesting) phone shot.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks! I really appreciate it. I tried that shot without expecting too much but in the end it came out pretty good (better than expected)☺️

[@BlameBarky]

i was so impressed the whole video because of the color. i really enjoyed the whole video though, love how you're so relaxed without really being quiet. love that.

[@stevedobbsphoto]

Great video, but your terminology is wrong. Long focal length lenses are called telephoto. A zoom lens can be any focal length. Zoom means you can zoom from say 17mm to 35mm with one lens. Opposite to zoom lens is prime lens. Fixed focal length. E.g. 20mm f2.8 or 135mm f2. Keep up the good work.😊

[@OliverJolliffe]

a long/telephoto lens produces a long focal length so he is correct. Both terminologies apply. a zoom lens would produce a short/wide to long focal length

[@stevedobbsphoto]

To quote "From 55 onward we have zoom lenses" Should be from 55 onward we have telephoto lenses. Zoom has nothing to do with focal length, only that you can "zoom" between focal lengths on a single unit.

[@OliverJolliffe]

I didn't watch all the video to be honest lol. I see what you mean

[@CSNK2008]

Fish-eye, ultra wide, wide, standard, trans-standard, tele for prime lenses, zoom for variable focal lenght, just as you Said

[@stevedobbsphoto]

@@CSNK2008 Your naming terminology is focal length related, not whether it's variable focal length ( a zoom lens). I have a Nikon 200-500mm. This is definitely a telephoto but it is also a zoom lens. This is turning into quite a discussion.😂

[@RickairProductions]

Great presentation! Short and sweet, and very entertaining with your sense of humor. I often get bogged down watching technical descriptions, but you've managed to present it in a way that keeps what really matters in focus: soul and creativity. And your visual examples to explain your concepts are super clear and top-notch. Great job!

[@digitaldevigner4080]

Good tips. Only thing I would mention is shots like this typically carry a sense of claustrophobia or isolation. If that’s the intention that’s great. Not every shot using this method to make it interesting may fit the mood intended for the scene. For example Handmaids Tale uses this a lot to help the audience feel a sense of isolation for the main character. She feels trapped and alone. Sometimes we want the characters or mood of the scene to feel more open and connected to others and the environment. A sense of belonging and friendship. I feel the emotional mood of the scene should matter more than the look and feel.

[@robertdouble559]

Couldn't agree more. Long lens and Shallow DoF have their places and CAN be quite amazing in appropriate situations, or in a situation where the "rules" are broken in an interesting way. But as a default setting for a "cinematic" look it's getting so overused these days it drives me mad. Handmaids Tale and Mr. Robot use it quite well. It seems like it's a crutch that beginning cinematographers get stuck on more and more, ever since the 5dmk2 came along it's gotten more and more prevalent. Anyone who feels they cant make something look "cinematic" without relying on shooting wide open on long lens on a "full frame" sensor needs to have a good think about what they're doing with their life. If it's just a hobby, go for it. But if you want to be a serious film-maker, learn that there's more to life than shooting with stupidly shallow DoF.

[@3abdangry]

Not necessarily for me an ultra wide shot of one person in a room while camera is still shows loneliness in a vast empty space

[@stefanmarraccini8646]

I can get lost for weeks on focal length focused projects. You rock! Great stuff! The off camera questioner is talented too.

[@ninthcirclefilms]

i think also you can also mention how different camera movements can make you feel other things. The long lens tracking the woman on the street as she continues to walk ahead completely aware of her surroundings makes me feel like someone is watching her or she is in danger vs the 50mm shot of her walking makes me feel like an calm indie movie shot in Europe. I also love your style in the beginning , reminds me of David Fincher

[@hbp_]

Great video! If you want to expand on the topic a little bit, you could talk more about lens compression too. You were so close to it a few times, that I felt like you are going to mention it next :) It's so interesting because while you can "hide" stuff from the background by using a longer focal length, you can also bring in something from the background, while keeping your subject in a relative "normal" size.

[@maxfeliumerce9895]

I agree that longer lenses will give a feel that isn’t possible when we experience reality. But all focal lengths are important. Visual variety is the key to every video and it all depends on how you blend different shots and compose scenes.

[@ChuckRiseUp]

And on the opposite, using a wide angle lens (ex: a 16 or 21mm) very close to your subject can distort reality and help you achieve another kind of look/feeling. Great video, I love your approach and how you are explaining stuff.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Very true! For example “the revenant” is been shot on very wide lenses and because of that it’s very stylized. Thanks for you comment :)

[@lilmilontiktok]

@@jimmyonfilmi immediately thought of a close up of leo from the film. You’re 100% right. It makes it more memorable too.

[@zeydtc]

"If you don't have something interesting to shoot then you need to find an angle, a point of view of what you want to show that shows that thing in a way that you wouldn't normally experience in real life." - maybe this is a no-brainer but I find it extremely useful to have this putten into such clear words

[@filgiupo4853]

I just discovered this channel, and I’m amazed by the experience. You are so underrated!

[@vernonfowler7880]

Yooo your videos are super informative, funny, and easy to digest. The algorithm has blessed me with yet another great creator 😊 keep up the good work!

[@bradwoods371]

This channel teaches so much valuable stuff about film.

[@OBOHYPE]

Thanks for the tips! I’ve been trying to focus more on making ordinary things look more interesting in shot.

[@REMY.C.]

So true, when ordinary things are in focus they're more interesting...

[@j.t.kelleheriv4214]

I'm glad you made this video, this is the way that I have felt about longer lenses. I'm surprised they aren't more popular in film making in general. thanks for the lens suggestion

[@pranaymandadapu9666]

Man I love his videography style, and the lady who is in shots she looks amazing. Great work~!~

[@MrGraveful]

That intro shot was awesome! I was thinking that it was nice that you were picking out a shot to illustrate your point and that this must be a shot from a well made, high budget Hollywood movie... The Composition, the lighting, the hand entering the frame in an interesting movement, how the subject isn't visible at first and then that focus pull to the face revealing that we've seen the subject the whole time without knowing. Also I think the focus breathing was something good here, like a mini Dolly Zoom

[@lilmilontiktok]

Great points.

[@manuelvalente438]

Very entertaining and informative video essay Jimmy. Just found out your channel and I really like your style! Keep them coming and I'll keep watching and taking notes ^^ Cheers mate!

[@kneepayne]

I used to work in "the industry" and since getting out I find myself internally rolling my eyes at KZbinrs e-fighitng over what is and isn't "cinematic". I love how you get to the point of "just make it look good". That's it. In the simplest form. Well done.

[@kamishimoproductions5096]

Thanks for explaining and teaching us how our brains perceive the image that our eyes see. This translates to what we feel as good and pleasing on an emotional level. It is true when you get to go deeper into filming on how to draw in the emotions of the audience and how a character can be made to look isolated and for the audience to start feeling the loneliness (isolation) that the character is being subjected to. Focal length plays a very important role in influencing our emotions. I would love that might be in a future tutorial you mention compression, and the distance from the camera to the character/subject/items you're filming. Your examples are excellent thanks again for sharing your creativity.

[@theycallmecotton]

Cinematic just means like a Hollywood movie. Something that looks good isn't necessarily cinematic. Keep up the great work

[@natebrown5387]

Loved watching this. Agree 100% that long/extra-wide focal lengths can make mundane objects look interesting. I think it’s important to note though that a lot of really great directors lean towards wide angles. There’s no replacement for the world-building of amazing set locations (Spielberg) or meticulous set designs (Anderson). If bokeh is used for storytelling and not to hide low production quality, I’m all for it. If long focal lengths are to isolate and understand a subject, I’m all for it.

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

I now have some great ideas for my upcoming Videos! Thanks! I've smashed all the smashers! Salutations from astonishingly grey & wet Ireland! ☘☮🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮☘

[@drewandrewmusic]

What camera and lens are you using for your main narration setup at 0:38 ? It looks great. Would love to see what you're lighting setup is for this setup as well.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks for the support! I’m using a Sony fx3 and a Sony 24-70 set at 35 mm and aperture at 4.0 (if I remember correctly).

[@Daniel_Batal]

Great stuff, Jimmy.

[@maximk.617]

I'm just loving your content! Wow!

[@0xmigu]

The example phone shot is incredible, chef's kiss!

[@CollinShook]

I audibly chuckled at 6:44! Great video man, love your style of comedy interspersed

[@bautibonzini2835]

We should take into account that when telling a story, these focal lenghts change the way we perceive things. Maybe a long focal lenght isolates the subject, maybe it feels like if we were spying on them, it compresses things. Maybe a wide focal lenght works better for landscapes (or if you have actual interesting things to show in the shooting space), or maybe you can isolate subjects too inside a single frame. There's so much experimentation you can do with them.

[@caylanpenny7912]

This is great stuff man. Keep it up!

[@ramf5162]

How can I get this lens....eBay does not have this lens What to do? Did you buy this item new or used product? Which website did you buy from?

[@eddiedamouse]

Entertaining and one of the better explanations I've seen on this topic.

[@BloodSoldierRB]

bro i love your content as an aspiring solo videographer :) keep it up, learning alot

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks man! Happy you learned something from it :)

[@amanpc12]

hey jimmy as a beginner i find it very valuable thanks for your effort!

[@AlmasyAlliances]

Commenting to help your engagement. Your presentation style is top notch, friend. Keep up the great work.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thank you so much for you support! I really appreciate it

[@oliscurra]

Great video man. Instantly subscribed without looking at any other of your videos on your channel. Can't wait to look at more. Can't wait for you to make more. This one really help me with my filmmaking journey. Thanks man and keep it up!

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks man I truly appreciate it! Help somebody else in their journey and growing together as filmmaker is what keeps me making videos! Thanks for your support!

[@trythegames8884]

Bruhhhh I love this channel so much 😭

[@EricAroundTheWorld389]

Loved this video, it's actually so funny you pulled up the Canon FD zoom lens, I've been shooting with those all week haha! I just happened to have a pair around my house and I used an adapter to get them onto my Sony camera. I've found them online for as low as $20 so definitely a great lens!

[@fellawhofilms7760]

2:47 is this shot by you? where can I watch the whole piece?

[@donhendricks3190]

Valid observations and suggestions - I am in agreement with you. And...your presentation style is fantastic! Having FUN while sharing and learning! Great job. Just Subscribed. With love from Atlanta.

[@aerozg]

Nice channel, just found it. I have the Nikon version of the 70-210 push-pull lens and absolutely love it. Subscribed and following. Keep it up!

[@Olearius]

Thank’s for this great video. I have a question to the jumpcut in your video at 4:08 to 4:11 (we first see the actress in some kind of midshot with lot of headroom and then in a close-up). Did you change only focal length for this shot or did you also change the camer-to-supject-distance?

[@arc8film]

😳 I feel like you just answered a question i've been trying to answer for so long. Literally wondered why KZbin short films dont look like real movies and I think this is one KEY issue. All the lens we shoot on are sub 70mm. That across the street walking shot revealed so much for me. Im going to experiment with some longer lens. Thank you

[@karl-marxschweinsteiger1828]

Goooodddd.. I love it. Roger dukens

[@AnthonyHadleyJr]

Left this video and had to come back just to say how amazing that opening shot was!

[@Starrider.]

I love long lenses. But, I do believe that mastering a wider angles is way harder so this where some true mastery can be displayed. Long lens destroys perspective: the objects are basically cardboard cutouts you shift to arrange a composition. With a wide angle, or at least with 35mm you have to be so much more aware of all moving parts. My favourite master is Saul Leiter, who used long lenses. But when I see some amazing 35mm photography it just feels different - as if the whole reality aligned perfectly around the camera. And with the dramatic lighting it feels cinematic as well.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Great examples, and clearly explained. Well done! This was an insta-subscribe!

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thank you so much! Have a great day!

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I love the use of an old dial phone for focal point since it has more of an aesthetic look than a mobile.

[@Osukar]

Really nice video! Is the part at 6:25 filmed with the Canon 70-210mm lens? Are all the examples, such as the intro using this lens? Thank you very much.

[@HNeatR]

Just love that last bit. Good stuff bro!

[@amankashyap621]

You are amazing and ur way of explanation is lovely. Every day i m watching ur videos. Its really so amazing.

[@acowwithlegs]

I’m really new to all this film stuff, but the way I draw comparison is to the Field of View slider in video games. I actually sometimes use c*nematic shots of video games in my videos and didn’t even realize I was just changing the focal length.

[@Pete_Furlong]

Very helpful and entertaining. Thanks for the laughs along with the info!

[@Iamuchendu]

The ending made me chuckle, great video!!

[@artisticbehaviormn]

This was crazy refreshing!! I have many boring areas I’m surrounded by. Gotta tighten up the frame!

[@jimmyonfilm]

I had this kind of revelation watching “man on fire” which is all shot with long lenses and “succession” also shot manly on long zoom lenses (not as much as man on fire tho) And I thought the same: I gotta tighten up the frame! Hahah

[@artisticbehaviormn]

@@jimmyonfilmYes sir! Will do. Thanks for your efforts to produce content. It’s a grind I’m sure! That’s why mine is dead… as of late lol.

[@who_is_dis]

Long Lenses are underrated, Love that full body, up-front backdrop compressed look, especially when it's sharp. Idk why, but it really tickles my brain in the right way.

[@hashemalshaer]

Film back size does really matter even more than lens focal length, cause you may need to use 17.5mm lens via super 16 to capture what 35mm can capture via 35mm, means, you will have to use wider lenses to capture the same area if your sensor is smaller

[@deeeny_]

Great video man, really helped me a lot.

[@AleksLopatiuk]

Love your sense of humor ❤

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks man!

[@JasonPerryman]

Hahaha at the end. That was a quick 7.11 minutes, thanks for the clear, understandable, poignant and highly enjoyable educating video. I can feel even more now how the longer lenses have effect.

[@ByMcCauley]

sometimes its not on the lens, it can also be how you angle the shot, another thing to keep in mind when shooting

[@ronalddelorme4947]

Great Vid Jimmy ! New Follower for sure.

[@edenkefale7129]

Amazing! Simple and to the point!

[@ChristopherWrightSora]

Is that the lens you used on this video for all the shots?

[@Andrewcomedy]

Thanks for making this. It’s very interesting and informative while still being funny and entertaining.

[@AhmedImran14298]

Thank you Jimmy for making such a on point video with a touch of your sense of humour. looking forward to more content. Regards, A content creator from Pakistan

[@mixdown78]

very useful video!! easy and perfect explaination

[@technotin]

2:50 What camera and lens did you use to create this video

[@robbinsdrones]

Very helpful, will be fun to put these concepts into practice - your explanations/examples were on point, liked and subscribed!

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks!!!

[@SatanSupimpa]

Nah , man. Filmmaking youtube teached me that cinematic is just filming stuff in slow motion with the shallowest depth of field you can get.

[@robertdouble559]

Yep. Laughing along with you Satan! So many hacks that rely on that lame shit because they've got nothing interesting to shoot.

[@TheADHDM]

whole face out of focus but the eyelashes are crisp. 120 fps. This is peak cinema.

[@psysword]

good luck then

[@joelcavazos9520]

Great information. Thank you for sharing!

[@aruwang3925]

so how did you achieve the effect of the begining clips with multiple change of depth field?

[@mjibleo]

After I watched the video , I think you are one of the-must-follow KZbinrs. Just clicked subscribe buttom🙌

[@peterkertesz2861]

Very interesting. I will def share your content

[@yassinbadermedia]

Hey ma8 Beautiful Ending, you have used the pope in the pool just perfectly!

[@baksdey]

Thanks man you've got definitely something in you!

[@TheUberSchattenjager]

Really enjoyed this - great job!

[@TheSunnySuttons]

This channel is 200mm... Super interesting, no fluff and on point. Thank you SUB from me! ❤❤❤

[@NeonCucumber]

Hi I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@thenecessitarian]

cinematic is a look that no one can explain but can tell immediately whether it's there or not... as far as I've ever seen, the only time you can experience "cinematic" looking videos is when you're watching a movie from the major motion picture productions in hollywood. IT's something people try to mimic but really cannot do convincingly ... it's kind of like how you can tell a movie was shot in any given decade without actually having ever seen the movie or knowing when it was actually released.... I have no idea what about movies makes them look the way that they do but I know that I can tell the difference instantly and so can everyone else, it seems. This is why it's important to have a specific term that refers to this phenomenon and I think cinematic is very much appropriate in this case.

[@robertdouble559]

Hot tip. It's more about art direction and blocking than lenses.

[@yourtallness]

2:31 I'm guessing you wanted to say telephoto

[@MoeEezay]

Loved this bro. Thank you so much for sharing this piece of knowledge.

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks man!!

[@mahdiyussuf9804]

Keep doing what you're doing man! Entertaining and informative 💪🏾💪🏾

[@PizzlesTechTime]

Your videos are fantastic! You have so much talent and are captivating. I need to take these tips and learn

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Happy you could learn something from the video :)

[@indianastoned8234]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@botbot3698]

that fd zoom is such a steal

[@cashoyboy]

this is such a dope channel

[@RAPINSCHULEN]

Nice video, thank you! Love your humor!

[@thisisme6395]

That's what I was looking for! Thanks thanks a lot!

[@jimmyonfilm]

Happy you liked it😊

[@topshelfmike]

Shooting my first short film next month - Thank you.

[@duncanh6045]

Keep them coming, I'm learning, thanks

[@ThePizza28]

Excellent video as always !

[@zezuzaza]

love your color grade

[@jimmyonfilm]

Thanks! 😊 I used my film emulation powergrade. It took me a long time to built but now I really enjoy using it :)

[@anamericanentrepreneur]

This will help- thank you!

[@triav8n]

Love the channel. Thank you for the information!

[@PerfectMessProductions]

Do you have a premier pro version of your lut? It looks like it's only available for divinci