Hey Reader,
Today, I show you how you can use negative space as a storytelling tool, a decision-making rule that will speed up your editing, and share my thoughts on why it’s the best time to be a new creator.
This Week’s Frame
Key Takeaway: The Power of Negative Space as a storytelling tool.
While many filmmakers focus on filling the frame with visual information, some of the most powerful shots are defined by what’s not there. Negative space—the empty areas around your subject—can be just as important as the subject itself.
Directors like Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan use negative space to create psychological depth. It’s not about having “empty” shots, it’s about using that emptiness with intention. Here are a few key applications:
- Emotional Isolation: Surrounding a character with a lot negative space can amplify feelings of loneliness, vulnerability, or being overwhelmed. Think of a small figure in a large landscape.
- Building Tension: Empty space creates anticipation. When the audience’s eye searches the frame, they become more engaged and alert to what might enter that space.
- Emphasizing Scale and Context: Negative space shows the relationship between your subject and their environment. A person in a massive architectural space tells a different story than a tight close-up.
- Directing Focus: Like a spotlight in darkness, negative space naturally draws attention to your subject without competing elements.
Try framing your next shot with 60-70% negative space. Use lighting and composition to make that emptiness feel intentional, not accidental. When used purposefully, what you leave out becomes part of your story.
Frame it Better
Key Takeaway: The “10-Second Rule” for faster, more decisive editing.
Editing can become a time intensive when you second-guess every cut. But there’s a simple decision-making framework that can speed up your workflow and improve your storytelling: If you can’t decide within 10 seconds whether a shot serves your story, it probably doesn’t belong in your final cut.
This rule forces you to trust your instincts and maintain narrative momentum. Here’s how to apply it effectively:
- First Impression Test: When reviewing footage, your gut reaction within those first 10 seconds is usually right. If a shot doesn’t immediately feel necessary or impactful, leave it out.
- Story Function Check: Ask yourself quickly: “Does this shot advance the story, reveal character, or enhance emotion?” If the answer isn’t immediate and clear, cut it.
- Pace Preservation: Shots that make you hesitate often slow down your narrative. The 10-second rule helps you maintain the rhythm that keeps viewers engaged.
The key is preparation—know your story structure before you edit. When you’re clear on what each scene needs to accomplish, the 10-second rule becomes a powerful filter for maintaining focus and eliminating unnecessary footage.
Final Frame
Key Takeaway: It’s the best time to be a new creator if you’re truly good.
Something interesting has been happening in my YouTube feed lately—I’m seeing more creators with lower subscribers counts creating absolutely incredible content. Take someone like Ultra Sharp Films or Josh—these creators are producing super inspiring work.
I feel the YouTube landscape is shifting in a way that benefits quality creators more than ever before. The algorithm seems to be getting better at recognizing genuine talent and engaging content, regardless of subscriber count.
What excites me is that this creates a more level playing field. You don’t need a massive audience to be seen—all you need is a clear vision, solid execution, and authentic storytelling. The barrier to entry for high-quality content has never been lower, but the standards for what counts as “good” have never been higher.
If you’re a new creator reading this, there’s never been a better time to start. Focus on mastering your craft rather than chasing subscriber milestones. Create content that you’d want to watch, solve problems you genuinely care about, and trust that quality will eventually find its audience.