The Rise of Vertical Filmmaking

Maybe this blog post should actually be called ‘How Social Media is Changing Cinema’ because that’s the real ‘issue’ as such.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, vertical filmmaking has emerged as a significant trend, driven primarily by the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. I’m personally not a fan, but I know that if I want to keep Zoghogg up-to-date with everything that’s going on as well as utilise these sites for marketing purposes, I just need to stay in the loop. These platforms, optimised for mobile viewing, have popularised the vertical format, challenging traditional cinematic norms and pushing filmmakers to think differently about how they tell stories.

The Vertical Revolution

Vertical filmmaking is a response to the way we watch content today, which is of course on smartphones, often held vertically (which is ridiculous really as how hard is it to just rotate the darn phone in your hand). Unlike the classic 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio, vertical videos typically adopt a 9:16 format, filling the entire screen of a smartphone without requiring the viewer to go through the ‘hardships’ of having to rotate their device. This shift has led to a revolution in visual storytelling, where filmmakers and content creators are rethinking composition, movement, and narrative structure to fit this new frame.

Yup, I’m not a fan.

Impact on Cinematic Techniques

Traditional filmmaking is built around the horizontal frame, where compositions are wide, landscapes are sprawling, and characters are often placed according to the rule of thirds. Vertical filmmaking, however, demands a different approach. Close-ups, portrait shots, and vertical movement become more prominent. Filmmakers must consider how to guide the viewer's eye within a narrow, tall frame, often focusing on the central elements of the story.

For example, in vertical videos, characters are typically placed centrally to maintain focus, and movement is often directed upwards or downwards rather than side to side. This requires a rethinking of traditional blocking and camera movement, encouraging more creative and innovative solutions to visual storytelling.

Influence on Content Creation

The rise of vertical filmmaking really has changed content creation, allowing anyone with a smartphone to become a filmmaker. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever to share content with a global audience, and the vertical format is perfectly suited for the fast-paced, easily digestible videos that dominate these platforms.

Vertical filmmaking has influenced professional content as well. Brands and advertisers have embraced the format for creating engaging social media ads, and even music videos and short films are being shot vertically to cater to mobile audiences. Some film festivals celebrate this format, showcasing that vertical filmmaking is not just a trend, but a new frontier in cinema.

Challenges and Opportunities

While vertical filmmaking presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with plenty of challenges. The limited space can make it difficult to capture expansive scenes or include multiple characters in a single shot. Filmmakers must also contend with the fact that their content might look out of place when viewed on traditional screens, such as TVs or theaters - have you seen those 16:9 versions with blurry side handles?

However, these challenges are driving innovation. Filmmakers are experimenting with split-screen techniques, where a vertical video is divided into two or more panels to show multiple perspectives simultaneously. Others use the format to create more intimate, personal stories, where the narrow frame enhances the focus on a single character or object.

The Future of Vertical Filmmaking

As mobile media consumption continues to grow, vertical filmmaking is likely to become even more prominent. While it may never fully replace traditional formats (we hope), it’s clear that vertical video is here to stay, influencing how stories are told and experienced.

The challenge for filmmakers now is to embrace this format not just as a necessity for social media, but as a creative tool in its own right. By doing so, they can push the boundaries of visual storytelling and connect with audiences in new and meaningful ways.

I might not like it myself, but whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a budding content creator, vertical filmmaking offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of cinema - one vertical frame at a time.