We’re about to start shooting on our new movie “2 to Tangle” this week, it’s getting exciting.

There is a link bellow where you can go and watch the teaser trailer and you can also, if you’re interested , buy “2 to Tangle” and get “Time Collectors” which is our first movie for free while you wait for “2 to Tangle” to come out in the Fall of 2012. It would be much appreciated:)

-Caleb Johnson

Links :

2 to Tangle Website

Fan Page

Time Collectors Website 

Fan Page

Note: For certain donations there are certain…lets say, prizes that you will receive. Check them out!

-Caleb Johnson

I was watching a video on youtube with Jon Favreau, talking to steven spielberg, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard. Steven was telling a story about when he was about 15 and had the opportunity to talk to “John Ford” about becoming a ” picture maker” as john put it. He went on to tell him that “when you’re able to distinguish the art of the horizon at the bottom of the frame or at the top of the frame but not going right through the center of the frame. When you are able to appreciate why its at the top of the frame and why it’s at the bottom, you might make a pretty good picture maker…”! This got me thinking, what is the rule of the horizon, I have to know what this key to movie making is!! So I went out and did some research and what  I found turned out to be extremely simple, but when used right, can be very powerful in setting the mood of your shot/scene. I was expecting some grand rule or algorithm but it wasn’t and this is what im going to share with you today!

Low Horizon 

When you have a low horizon like the ones you see pictured here 

Low Horizon - Subject Isolation

Low Horizon - Bodes of nobility in this instance.

It helps separate your subject, no matter what it is, from the background. Gives a sense  of nobility like it did in the painting of the Indian. At the same time it gives me the feeling that he’s the last of his kind and he’s making his last stand or something along those lines. In the image with trees, it gives a sense of isolation against an amazing sky behind. Contrasting the subject with the vastness of the sky creates a very emotional feeling in your shots. Know when to use it.

High Horizon

When using a high horizon like pictured below

High Horizon - Vastness

It creates a shot that show’s you just how far that horizon is from you. Filling the frame with land etc, makes you feel like it goes on forever. Creates a sense of “vastness” that are great for establishing shots like the New York city street bellow or for creating a feeling that puts the viewer into the desired mood.

High Horizon - Depth

One placement that you have to be careful with is the horizon going right through the middle.

“Dividing a composition in half by placing the horizon across the middle of the frame is often considered breaking a sacrosanct design rule, but it isn’t quite as serious as cheating on your income taxes. Try it. If it works—as it sometimes does in catching mirror reflections in pond or lake scenes—use it without shame.”

Basically its a very neutral kind of shot that can at times , depending on how it’s used, be distracting in a way.

I hope these few examples and explanations gave you a good idea of what the different horizon placements mean and what they can do for your shot. I don’t claim to be a professional in this area but I am willing to share what I do know and hopefully we can grow and learn together.

One thing i’de like to point out in closing is that if you’re not sure which one to use, sometimes it’s best to not even show the horizon. Because if used improperly, it can have an effect on the viewer that you didn’t want. So again, I hope this helps. I’de love to hear feedback from you guys.

God bless and I wish you the best in your work.

-Caleb Johnson

Note: I do not claim to have the rights to these images!

Here is the trailer for those of you who haven’t seen it already and for those who just want a refresher. Let me know what you think and if you have any opinions you’re self.

I wanted to inspire and encourage people with the message of the video, and not to long ago I got a message from a lady on youtube that said this. And I quote “Hi Caleb i love your video “Life’s Race” Because it’s really what i am experiencing in my life at the moment. THanks
All the best from Holland” This is what this video was made for, and this is the and should be the goal of all my videos. I hope you enjoy!

-Caleb Johnson

We shot it in 3 hours and it took me 3 days to edit. The whole goal was to see if we could create suspense without showing anything and without a story leading up to it. Let me know what you think!

-Caleb Johnson

Also feel free to send me anything that interests you in the field of Arts (film, photography, art, music, written word etc) I’de love to see and give my support!

Have a great day and until next time, may God bless.

- Caleb Johnson