WHAT IS HEADROOM? Within a given shot type (MS, LS, CU) there is a generally accepted guideline as to where the head of a person should be placed within the frame. This guideline applies much more to MS and CU shots because in these tighter shots you mostly see the person’s body and head and much less of the environment. Human beings naturally tend to look each other in the face and, specifically, in the eyes when communicating. This “ face focus ” allows us to gain insight into the physical and mental health of an individual and to get a handle on their emotional state. Therefore, when an audience member watches an actor on screen they will most often look at the person’s face, particularly at the eyes and the mouth.
Filmmakers know this to be true and they count on it when composing an individual’s shot.
The placement of the head within the frame is very important, which is why we have the guideline of headroom. Headroom specifically refers to how much or how little space exists between the top of an actor’s head and the top edge of the recorded frame. Because screen space is at a premium, it would be a shame to waste it, so we often set the top of the frame to cut off just above the talent’s head in a tighter shot. In wider shots, you should also consider how much screen space above the talent you allow to exist. Unless the story or event calls for some extra room above the head, you let it go in favour of more information at midframe. Later, when we review examples of closer shots, you will see how it is appropriate to also cut off the hair and tops of people’s heads as long as you keep their eyes and mouths well-framed within the screen space. So, in general, try not to give too much headroom as it wastes screen space and can throw off the overall composition.
