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Let's study this masterful scene from Bambi to learn about framing characters using foreground elements.
What looks like random branches is carefully planned out to work for multiple character actions.
A breakdown thread:
What looks like random branches is carefully planned out to work for multiple character actions.
A breakdown thread:
The scene opens with Bambi's mother fully in frame behind some foliage.
A character's face is the most important feature audiences connect with.
So even in this brief action of a single step forward, her eyes and nose are visible, framed by branches.
A character's face is the most important feature audiences connect with.
So even in this brief action of a single step forward, her eyes and nose are visible, framed by branches.
Designing multiple "windows" between the branches (negative space) helps control the audience's focus.
As Mother stops and pulls back, her face now obscured, we are directed toward Bambi entering into his own window.
As Mother stops and pulls back, her face now obscured, we are directed toward Bambi entering into his own window.
As he pauses to watch her, the two character actions of the scene are split between opposite sides of the frame.
That is a setup for...
That is a setup for...
Both characters enter the main center window at the same time, a meaningful action to support their relationship.
Notice how the composition of the main window supports the character dynamic.
The angle of the window follows the physical and emotional relationship between the characters.
It's smaller at the bottom to frame Bambi in comfort and protection.
The angle of the window follows the physical and emotional relationship between the characters.
It's smaller at the bottom to frame Bambi in comfort and protection.
Moving on, Bambi's mother again models to him what to do.
She lays her head down exiting the main window as a signal that she's checking out to rest.
The visual barrier between them (a branch) is symbolic of their attention to each other breaking for sleep.
She lays her head down exiting the main window as a signal that she's checking out to rest.
The visual barrier between them (a branch) is symbolic of their attention to each other breaking for sleep.
As the action comes to a rest, the framing of the windows serve as the feeling of safety and comfort provided by the forest environment, like a protective dome.
Here's a raw screenshot without notes over it.
Look at the branches.
All elements blend seamlessly together. It's not until you look carefully at the action that you see the thought behind the shapes and movement.
This is how you use design to support characters and story.
Look at the branches.
All elements blend seamlessly together. It's not until you look carefully at the action that you see the thought behind the shapes and movement.
This is how you use design to support characters and story.
Bambi was the 5th animated movie ever and had this level of sophistication in its design.
That’s because the artists incorporated centuries of existing theory from across art history.
Visually framing subjects is obviously an age old technique.
That’s because the artists incorporated centuries of existing theory from across art history.
Visually framing subjects is obviously an age old technique.
