The flicker of the projector, the sound of the reel turning, and the mesmerizing motion on the big screen – these are the elements that make movies truly magical.
But have you ever stopped to wonder why Movies are shot at 24 frames per second (fps)? The answer Is “The film frame rate of 24fps was established as a compromise between having a frame rate quick enough to generate fluid animation to the eye and keeping film stock costs affordable.”
In this article, we’ll delve into the history and reason behind the 24fps standard and explore how it creates the seamless and lifelike motion that we’ve come to love in movies.
Why Frame Rate is Important in the Film
Frame rate is a critical aspect of moviemaking as it determines how movement is perceived by the cult. A high frame rate can produce a sense of hyperactive- reality, while a low frame rate can make the motion appear jerky and unnatural.
The frame rate also impacts the overall look and sense of a film and can be used to convey a certain mood or style. In the case of film, 24 fps is the standard frame rate because it creates a natural and living motion that’s pleasing to the human eye.
How the Human Eye Perceives Motion
The human eye perceives motion by seeing a series of still images in rapid succession. The brain then interprets these still images as motion. This is known as the “persistence of vision” effect. The frame rate, or the number of still images displayed per second, impacts how motion is perceived by the viewer.
How 24fps Mimics the Way the Human Eye Sees Motion
24fps is considered the optimal frame rate for creating lifelike motion as it closely mimics the way the human eye perceives motion.
At this frame rate, the motion appears smooth, and the transitions between frames are seamless.
24fps is close to the threshold of the human eye’s ability to perceive motion, so the motion appears natural and not overly smooth or artificial.
Why Are Movies Shown in 24fps While 60fps Looks More Real?
The reason why 24 frames per second are the industry standard is that it closely resembles how the human eye perceives motion, giving movies a realistic, lifelike animation that viewers find appealing.
24fps is an affordable option for film studios because it is compatible with current film material and projection technology.
While 60 frames per second may appear more realistic, it can also generate an unsettling sensation of hyperreality and necessitate greater processing and storage resources.
Higher frame rates might complicate the post-production and screening process as well because not all venues are designed to handle them.
Why Are Movies Shot At 24 FPS Rather Than 30 FPS?
Since 24 fps gives greater creative freedom than 30 fps. Fast-moving objects are captured on film with a tiny judder or stutter thanks to one of the 24fps special characteristics.
A significant storytelling tool for directors, this effect can be used to infuse a scene with suspense or excitement.
Why is the 24Fps Frame Rate Used For Cinematic Films?
Shooting at 24 fps enables a more cinematic appearance and feel because it adds a subtle blur to the borders of moving objects, giving a scene a more realistic impression.
It’s also important to note that 24 frames per second (fps) is regarded as a “film look” and has a certain aesthetic appeal.
24 fps was the standard utilized in conventional film cameras and projectors. While 30 frames per second are frequently utilized in video production, many filmmakers who want to produce a more cinematic and creative visual experience now prefer 24 frames per second.
Why Does 24fps Look Good In Movies But Not In Games?
24fps looks good in movies but not in games because the way we perceive motion is different when watching a movie compared to playing a game.
Movies force the audience to sit back and watch the action unfold on the screen. The player has an active role in games, generating action through their choices and decisions.
Movies are shot and edited to take use of the 24fps frame rate, which is why it looks so amazing on the big screen but not in video games.
Do Movies Shot In 24 Fps Get Converted To 60 FPS?
Movies shot at 24 fps are hardly ever converted at 60 fps for wider theatrical and home media distribution.
Some movies, however, are filmed or edited at higher frame rates, such as 48fps or even 60fps, to achieve specific visual effects or to provide a more immersive viewing experience.
Some movies have been published at higher frame rates, such as 60fps, in recent years due to the rise of high-resolution monitors and streaming platforms.
Increasing the frame rate from 24 to 60 is a computationally intensive procedure that demands a lot of processing power and time.
What Is The Highest FPS Ever Recorded?
One million frames per second is the greatest frame rate ever recorded. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley were the first to record at such a high frame rate in 2011.
An image is taken using a streak camera by rapidly moving the electronic shutter across the frame. Due to this, the camera can capture an exceptionally high frame rate in a short amount of time.
Advantages of Using 24fps Over Other Frame Rates
24 fps has several advantages over other frame rates, such as:
- it creates a natural and photo-realistic motion that’s pleasing to the human eye.
- it’s compatible with film stock and projection stuff.
- it’s a provident choice as it requires lower film stock and storage space.
- it’s also the standard frame rate in the movie assiduity. The use of different frame rates can beget complications in the post-production and screening process.
On the other hand, using an advanced frame rate can produce a sense of hyperactive- reality that can be abstracted, it also creates the need for fresh storage space and processing power.
Compatibility with Existing Film Stock & Projection equipment
24 fps was chosen as the standard frame rate because it was compatible with the being film stock and projection equipment of the time.
This meant that the motion picture industry didn’t have to invest in new equipment or technology, which was an important consideration in the early days of film.
Economic Factors In the Choice of 24fps
24 fps was also a provident choice because it needed less film stock and storage space than advanced frame rates.
This meant that movie workrooms could produce and distribute flicks more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Technical Limitations Of Using Higher Frame Rates
While advanced frame rates can produce a further naturalistic motion, they also come with specialized limitations.
For illustration, advanced frame rates bear further film stock and storage space, and can also produce fresh strain on the projector and projection equipment.
The uses of an advanced frame rate can beget complications in the post-production and screening process, as not all theaters are equipped to handle advanced frame rates.
Conclusion
24 fps has been the standard for over a century, the motion picture industry is constantly evolving with the advancements in technology.
With the preface of digital moviemaking and projection, the use of advanced frame rates is getting more common in certain products.
Still, 24 fps remains the most extensively accepted and used frame rate in the industry. As technology continues to advance, it’ll be intriguing to see how the use of frame rate evolves in the future of film- making.
