Chapter 4-Aspect ratio

There are several standard aspect ratios:
TV 1:1.33 Also called the Academy Aperture, this was the standard for 60 years. Once the sound strip was added to the side, the upper and lower parts of the frame was cropped to more or less preserve the academy ratio.

European film and 16mm 1:1.66

American standard projection, post 1950's 1:1.85: To compete with television, film created a wider aspect ratio.

'Scope/70mm/anamorphic 1:2.35

(9:16 HDTV)

Format and relationship to story:
Widescreen exaggerates audience participation and adds an epic scope to the storytelling. Movies centering on special effects and large action sequences may be projected in 'Scope-type aspect ratios. On the other hand, movies that focus on human relationships and character development are often projected at 1.85:1 and 1.66:1, as these films have a wide European audience. In addition, many theaters are only able to project at narrower aspect ratios; not to mention, movies are eventually released on DVD and must be watched at 1.33. Use the most basic math to make a correctly proportional storyboard.
Computing the aspect ration of the Storyboard. Keep in mind that movies will eventually be converted into a letterboxed or "pan-and scan" (a technique where a frame is made of a scanned section of the whole) or both for DVD or cable TV release. Understanding which is the appropriate aspect ratio to use is imperative to create useful storyboards.

Women especially are subject to set harassment. The ratio of women to men on set is around 1:10 but making enemies could cost you your job. Poise and professionalism are required in these difficult situations.