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What is a rack focus? A rack focus is a technique in filmmaking and cinematography where you adjust the focus of your lens to show something that was, at first, indistinguishable.
The difference between a rack focus and a focus pull is the degree of visibility.
Focus pulling is supposed to remain invisible so as to keep you in the story…
But racking focus needs to be more apparent to draw the attention of the viewer.
A rack focus in a film should reveal some crucial piece of information, or signal a big change in the scene - something you cannot achieve with an invisible focus pull. That is why the rack focus is such a unique focus pulling technique.
We show you examples of the rack focus in several films and break down how they were used in Casino Royale (2006) directed by Martin Campbell.
In today’s essay on video production, we give you the rack focus definition and show you various rack focus examples so that you can see how the pros wield this advanced filmmaking technique.
Then we break it down so that you can have a great rack focus in your next project.
Understand this technique so that you can use it in 2019!
You want to know how to rack focus. Maybe even a rack focus tutorial. Racking focus is as simple placing subjects in frame at varying depth, marking the focus distances on your lens, and then pulling at the opportune moment. You don’t even have to rack focus very fast if you don’t want to, especially if you’re using it as a POV shot of someone waking up.
You can also use a rack focus to visually illustrate a character processing information.
That’s because they are used by thoughtful filmmakers who understand that less can be more when you know what you’re doing.
Using the rack focus in special ways can also be an opportunity to build your own visual style, and to tell the audience something they didn’t know just moments before.
What do you gain from using a rack focus?
Rack focus gives you Focused Direction - control the eyes of the viewer.
Rack focus gives you Layered images - have subjects at varying depths.
Rack focus gives you Visual Storytelling - show reactions to things on, and off screen.
Rack focus gives you Economic filmmaking - save time and money with fewer shots.
Rack focus gives you Emotional connection - make your link from ‘A’ to ‘B’ more profound.
Watch and learn more about racking focus vs pulling focus today.
#rackfocus #rackingfocus #rackfocusfilm
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