How to Make Cinematic Bars in Premiere Pro

Nexaura Studios

 


1. Introduction

  • A. What Are Cinematic Bars?
    • Define cinematic bars (letterbox) as the black bars at the top and bottom of a video frame.1
    • Explain their purpose in creating a widescreen, cinematic look.
  • B. Why Filmmakers Use Letterbox Bars
    • Discuss how letterbox bars create a sense of scale and visual drama.
    • Explain how they mimic the look of traditional film formats.
    • Discuss how it changes the viewers perceived aspect ratio.
  • C. What You’ll Learn in This Guide
    • Outline the guide's focus on adding and customizing cinematic bars in Premiere Pro.
    • Mention methods using the Crop effect and overlays.

2. Understanding Aspect Ratios

  • A. Common Cinematic Aspect Ratios (2.35:1, 2.39:1)
    • Explain the difference between these ratios and their visual impact.
    • Provide examples of films that use these aspect ratios.
  • B. How Letterbox Bars Affect Composition
    • Discuss how letterbox bars frame the shot and guide the viewer's eye.
    • Explain how they can enhance or restrict composition.
  • C. Choosing the Right Ratio for Your Project
    • Provide guidelines on selecting an aspect ratio based on the project's tone and style.
    • Discuss how different ratios evoke different emotions.

3. Adding Cinematic Bars Using the Crop Effect

  • A. Applying the Crop Effect to an Adjustment Layer
    • Explain why using an adjustment layer is beneficial for consistency.
    • Provide step-by-step instructions for applying the Crop effect.
  • B. Setting Top and Bottom Crop Percentages
    • Explain how to calculate the correct crop percentages for specific aspect ratios.
    • Provide examples of crop percentages for common cinematic ratios.
  • C. Ensuring Consistency Across Multiple Clips
    • Discuss how adjustment layers ensure consistency across the timeline.
    • Explain how to save and reuse crop effect presets.

4. Creating Cinematic Bars with Overlays

  • A. Using Pre-Made PNG Overlays
    • Explain the benefits of using PNG overlays for flexibility.
    • Provide resources for finding or creating overlays.
  • B. Adjusting Size and Position for Proper Framing
    • Demonstrate how to adjust overlay size and position.
    • Explain how to ensure proper alignment.
  • C. Maintaining Quality Without Stretching
    • Discuss the importance of using high-resolution overlays.
    • Explain how to avoid distortion and pixelation.

5. Fine-Tuning for a Professional Look

  • A. Using Keyframes to Animate Cinematic Bars (Reveal Effect)
    • Demonstrate how to use keyframes to animate the crop or overlay.
    • Explain how to create a smooth reveal effect.
  • B. Adjusting Video Composition to Fit Within the Bars
    • Discuss how to reframe shots to fit within the letterbox.
    • Explain how to maintain visual balance.
  • C. Enhancing the Cinematic Look with Color Grading
    • Explain how color grading complements the cinematic look.
    • Provide tips for achieving a consistent color palette.

6. Exporting Without Losing the Cinematic Effect

  • A. Making Sure the Bars Stay in the Final Render
    • Discuss how to verify that the bars are included in the export.
    • Explain how to avoid accidental cropping.
  • B. Choosing the Right Resolution and Format
    • Recommend export settings that preserve the aspect ratio.
    • Discuss how to avoid resolution mismatches.
  • C. Avoiding YouTube/Vimeo Auto-Cropping Issues
    • Explain how to prevent online platforms from auto-cropping the video.
    • Provide tips for uploading videos with letterbox bars.

7. Conclusion 

  • A. Recap of Methods for Adding Cinematic Bars
    • Summarize the main points covered in the guide.
  • B. Additional Resources for Cinematic Video Editing
    • Provide links to tutorials, courses, and community forums.
    • Recommend specific youtube channels, or online learning platforms.
  • C. Encouragement to Experiment with Aspect Ratios
    • Emphasize the importance of practicing and experimenting.
    • Encourage users to develop a personal style.

8. (FAQ) - 

Q. What are cinematic bars (letterbox)?

  • Cinematic bars are the black bars at the top and bottom of a video frame, creating a widescreen, cinematic look.

Q. Why do filmmakers use letterbox bars?

  • They create a sense of scale, drama, and mimic traditional film formats, enhancing the cinematic feel.

Q. What are common cinematic aspect ratios?

  • Common ratios include 2.35:1 and 2.39:1.

Q. How do letterbox bars affect composition?

  • They frame the shot, guide the viewer's eye, and can enhance or restrict composition.

Q. How do I add cinematic bars using the Crop effect?

  • Apply the Crop effect to an adjustment layer and set the top and bottom crop percentages.

Q. How do I calculate the crop percentages for specific aspect ratios?

  • Divide the target height by the original height, then subtract from 1 and divide by 2. This gives you the percentage to crop on each side.

Q. How do I use PNG overlays for cinematic bars?

  • Import a PNG overlay, place it on a track above your video, and adjust its size and position.

Q. How do I ensure consistency across multiple clips?

  • Use an adjustment layer with the Crop effect, or reuse overlay templates.

Q. Can I animate cinematic bars?

  • Yes, use keyframes to animate the Crop effect or overlay position for a reveal effect.

Q. How do I adjust video composition to fit within the bars?

  • Reframe shots to fit within the letterbox, ensuring visual balance.

Q. How do I enhance the cinematic look with color grading?

  • Use color grading to create a consistent color palette that complements the cinematic feel.

Q. How do I ensure the bars stay in the final render?

  • Verify that the bars are included in the export preview and choose the correct export settings.

Q. What export settings should I use?

  • Choose a resolution and format that preserves the aspect ratio and avoids cropping.

Q. How do I prevent YouTube/Vimeo from auto-cropping my video?

  • Ensure your video's resolution matches the platform's requirements and avoid aspect ratios that may trigger auto-cropping.

Q. Where can I find pre-made PNG overlays?

  • You can find them on stock footage websites, graphic design resources, or create your own in image editing software.