Filmmaker Michael Wohl has written a lengthy and very detailed article over at Ken Stone’s site on the subject of Visual Language. He outlines the basic compositional rules and tools that filmmakers should use to effectively tell stories with images. I would consider this a must-read for young and experienced filmmakers alike. Here’s a short excerpt:

“Film and video programs are efforts at communicating and just like speaking English, tapping out Morse code, or waving semaphores, there is a whole language that can be learned including words, phrases, grammar, punctuation, rules, and common practices. And like any other language, the more thoroughly you master it, the more effectively you can communicate.”

“Communication is both an art and a craft. Part inspiration and part perspiration. Effective editing requires both aspects, and while you can’t necessarily be taught the art of eloquence, you can study and practice the rules of the language, and hone your craft so you can edit quicker, more efficiently, and communicate more effectively because of it.”

You can read the article here.