What is head room in video production?

Head room refers to the space between the top of a person's head and the top of the frame in a video shot. Proper head room is crucial for achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition. If there is too much head room, it can make the subject appear small or insignificant in relation to the background, while too little head room can cause the subject's head to be cut off, which can be distracting for viewers. The importance of head room is often emphasized in framing subjects, especially in interviews and close-ups, ensuring that the viewer's focus remains on the subject without unnecessary distractions. This concept is a fundamental part of visual storytelling, as it helps maintain viewer engagement and conveys the appropriate mood and tone for the scene.