Spilt Screening

In video production, split screening is the visible division of the screen, traditionally in half, but can also have several splits. There may or may not be a defined borderline between the splits. Before the development of digital technology in the early 1990s, a split screen could be created by using an optical printer to combine two or more actions filmed separately by copying them onto the same negative, called the composite. In film and video making, split screening is a technique used to allow one actor to appear twice in a scene, for example to make them seem as though they have been cloned.

To create a split screen effect the simplest way is to lock down the camera and shoot the scene twice, with one shot of the actor appearing on the left side, and the other shot with the actor on the right side. The seam between the two splits is intended to be invisible, making the duplication seem real.

A number of music videos have made creative use of split screen presentations. In Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" video a number of freeze frames are shown in split screen. In each frame Michael is showing off a different dance move as he sings the lyrics.

Robbie Williams - Bodies

Here Robbie has put the technique to good use in his video for 'Bodies' In stead of using the common number of 2-3 screen splits, he has taken to another level and has used loads of various sized screen splits. What i love about this effect is that allows the viewer to see more and creates an artistic pattern.

Multiple screen splits, yet the focus still remains on Robbie as he's in the dominating frame.

                                                                  Little Mix - Wings

Little mix are the latest ones to have used the technique. They have used it in way that gives the band equal screening time as they sing together. I love the use of the close up on each of their faces as they sing the lyrics. 

A medium shot is then used to allow the band members to show off their dancing.

From this research we have gained an understanding into how and split screening is used. In our music video we would like to split screen some frames to create a sense of closeness.