Why the “cinematic look” isn’t just about the frame rate

You’ve heard it before: “Shoot at 24 frames per second to make your video look like film.” But here’s the truth: 24 fps makes video look like film…NOT. This myth has been repeated so often that many creatives don’t question it anymore.

But let’s break it down.

Where did 24 fps even come from?

  1. It wasn’t about style. It was about saving money. Back in the early days of film, directors were looking for the slowest frame rate that still looked smooth. 24 fps was the sweet spot. Anything less started to stutter. Anything more cost more money. More film = more expense.
  2. The industry made it the standard, not because it was perfect, but because it was efficient. Once sound films emerged in the late 1920s, 24 fps became the audio-sync baseline. It stuck—not for beauty, but for practicality. So why do people think it looks like “film”? It’s not just the frame rate
  3. True cinematic feel comes from other ingredients. Think color grading. Think depth of field. Think lens choice. Think lighting, camera movement, shot composition, and even sound design.
  4. If your lighting is flat, your lenses are cheap, and your edit lacks rhythm, 24 fps won’t save you. You’ll just have a choppy video with none of the cinematic feel.
  5. And guess what? Film isn’t even shot at exactly 24 fps. Many films today are shooting at 60 fps in digital workflows.

The real point?

Frame rate is just a flavor— not the whole recipe.

What you should focus on instead:

  • Use thoughtful lighting to create mood.
  • Learn how to frame shots that tell stories.
  • Color grade with intention.
  • Capture sound with as much care as the visuals.
  • Choose motion deliberately, don’t rely on handheld chaos.
  • Study your favorite films and mimic their elements, not just their frame rates.

If you’re chasing that cinematic magic, don’t just drop your timeline to 24 fps and call it a day. That’s like buying a chef’s knife and thinking you’re ready to open a Michelin-starred kitchen.

In conclusion:

Yes, 24 fps has that film nostalgia baked into it. But the cinematic look is built on emotion, intention, and execution. Frame rate is just the table salt.

Sources:

•Saltzman, M. (2013). Why movies are shot at 24 fps. LiveScience.

•Ulanoff, L. (2022). Understanding frame rates: 24 vs 30 vs 60 fps. PCMag.

•Holben, J. (2019). The real reason movies look like movies. American Cinematographer.