Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the shape of the screen or image in film and video production. It describes the relationship between width and height of the picture. Think of it like choosing between a square or rectangle photo format, but for professional video. Common aspect ratios include widescreen (16:9) for modern TV and online content, or wider formats like 2.39:1 for cinema. When you see this term on a resume, it shows that the candidate understands how to compose and format video for different platforms, whether it's for movie theaters, television, social media, or streaming services.
Examples in Resumes
Filmed and delivered commercial content in multiple Aspect Ratios for cross-platform distribution
Managed technical requirements for Aspect Ratio conversion from cinema to streaming formats
Supervised proper Aspect Ratio maintenance during post-production for Netflix delivery specifications
Typical job title: "Cinematographers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Cinematographers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle aspect ratio conversions for multi-platform delivery?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should explain the process of planning shots to work across different platforms (TV, cinema, social media), protecting important visual elements, and using techniques like center-cut safe areas.
Q: How do you manage aspect ratio considerations when working with visual effects?
Expected Answer: Should discuss coordination between production and post-production teams, ensuring proper framing for effects work, and maintaining quality across different delivery formats.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What common aspect ratios do you work with and why would you choose each?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain common formats like 16:9 for TV/online, 2.39:1 for cinema, and newer formats like 9:16 for mobile, including their typical uses.
Q: How do you protect important visual information when converting between aspect ratios?
Expected Answer: Should explain concepts like safe areas, frame composition, and how to ensure critical elements remain visible across different formats.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is aspect ratio and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that aspect ratio is the relationship between width and height of an image, and why it matters for different viewing platforms.
Q: What are the most common aspect ratios used today?
Expected Answer: Should know standard formats like 16:9 for TV/online video and 2.39:1 for cinema, and basic differences between them.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Understanding of basic aspect ratios
- Knowledge of standard delivery formats
- Basic camera framing skills
- Familiarity with editing software
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multi-platform delivery experience
- Format conversion knowledge
- Advanced composition skills
- Technical specification compliance
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex multi-format project management
- Technical problem-solving
- Team coordination for format consistency
- Advanced delivery specification expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of standard delivery specifications
- Unfamiliarity with common aspect ratios
- Lack of experience with different viewing platforms
- No knowledge of safe areas and composition principles
Related Terms
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