Staging

This principle is akin to staging as it is known in theatre and film.^[11] Its purpose is to direct the audience's attention, and make it clear what is of greatest importance in a scene; what is happening, and what is about to happen.^[12] Johnston and Thomas defined it as "the presentation of any idea so that it is completely and unmistakably clear", whether that idea is an action, a personality, an expression or a mood.^[11] This can be done by various means, such as the placement of a character in the frame, the use of light and shadow, and the angle and position of the camera.^[13] The essence of this principle is keeping focus on what is relevant, and avoiding unnecessary detail