Understanding Screen Splitting Techniques in Video Production: Blurry Sections Explained

Have you ever noticed how some videos split the screen into three sections, with the outer sections significantly more blurry than the sharp center section? This technique is not just a gimmick but serves several stylistic and narrative purposes. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this approach and provide insights into why it might be hard on your eyes.

Focus on the Main Subject

The primary reason for this screen splitting technique is to focus attention on the main subject or action. The sharp center section stands out, drawing your gaze and emphasizing the key elements of the scene. The blurriness of the outer sections helps reduce visual distractions, making the main content more prominent.

Visual Aesthetics and Narrative Technique

This style can create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition. Often seen in music videos, artistic films, and advertisements, this technique can evoke a specific mood or feeling. For instance, the blurred sections might represent different perspectives, memories, or thoughts, creating a separation between the main narrative and other contextual elements. Additionally, blurriness can serve as a transitional effect, suggesting a shift in time, space, or emotional state.

Viewer Engagement and Immersion

Creators may use this technique to keep viewers engaged, offering a more immersive experience. However, this can sometimes come at the cost of comfort, making the content harder to watch for extended periods. If you find this style hard on your eyes, you might prefer other content that uses traditional framing or less distracting visual effects.

Alternative Solutions: Blocking Side Panels

To address visual discomfort, there is a technique called reversing letterboxing. Imagine a cinema screen with the top and bottom portions open, allowing you to see more of the image. This concept is often used when a wide format movie is shown on a smaller screen, giving it a more square, traditional look. In theory, wide format movies use the entire frame to create a more immersive viewing experience, but why didn’t directors shoot this way originally?

Shooting with a wider aspect ratio does not necessarily equate to having more scenery in the frame. Instead, it might have been cheaper to film in a more traditional format and add the wider aspect ratio during post-production. However, this approach often results in the top and bottom parts of the frame being less useful, leading to the need for letterboxing or other techniques to fill the screen.

Vertical Video Format

Another reason for the blurry side sections might be the vertical orientation of the video. Many smartphones and modern cameras default to shooting in portrait mode, and this orientation can also be used in professional video production. When a video is shot vertically, the outer sections might appear blurry if the screen is later adjusted to a horizontal orientation. To fill the screen, networks or platforms often add the same image or a blurred version behind the main content. This practice can be seen in many TV productions, where vertical videos are presented with a larger, blurred image to occupy the entire screen.

Conclusion: The screen splitting technique with blurriness is a powerful tool in video production, serving various creative and narrative purposes. While it may be hard on the eyes, it offers a unique viewing experience that can enhance the overall impact of the video. If you find it uncomfortable, consider seeking content with more traditional framing or less distracting visual effects.