Shoot and Protect

Television broadcasting is currently going through a transition from broadcasting in 4:3 to broadcasting in 16:9. This process is progressing at different rates in different markets and as a result many programmes have to be supplied in a mixture of aspect ratios. More and more new productions are being shoot in 16:9 but often they need to be shot in such a way as to be compatible with 4:3 transmission and viewing, this is where shoot and protect comes in.

4:3 Frame 16:9 Frame

The idea is that you shoot the footage in 16:9 (widescreen) but frame each shot so that the main action only happens within the 4:3 (or sometimes 14:9) area within the centre of the frame. By doing this a 16:9 programme can simply have the edges cropped off for 4:3 transmission. It's a bit of a compromise method that dosn't make the most of the full 16:9 frame, but until everyone starts to broadcast in 16:9 it is a method that will continue to be needed.

4:3 Frame within 16:9 Frame

Most professional 16:9 cameras will have a menu setting that will alow the user to superimpose a 4:3 box in the viewfinder display and it is simply a matter of keeping the important parts of the scene within that box.