How to Quickly Add Cinematic Black Bars in Premiere Pro

Introduction

Achieving a professional cinematic look in wedding videos or commercial productions can elevate your storytelling immensely. One of the simplest yet most effective techniques to achieve this is by adding cinematic black bars. Known as “letterboxing,” this stylistic method helps videos look instantly more polished and professional. Using cinematic black bars in Premiere Pro makes this process quick and efficient—a vital advantage for busy wedding videographers or professional editors working in a competitive industry.

What Are Cinematic Black Bars?

Cinematic black bars, also called letterboxing, are horizontal black strips at the top and bottom of a video. These bars create a wider aspect ratio (like 2.35:1), providing an authentic cinematic feel similar to major motion pictures. Historically, cinematic black bars originated from the necessity to adapt widescreen films to standard television screens, but now they’re deliberately used for artistic purposes. They direct viewers’ focus, enhance visual storytelling, and create an immersive viewing experience.

Why Use Cinematic Black Bars in Wedding Videos?

In recent years, the demand for cinematic wedding videos has skyrocketed across the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Couples now prefer films that resemble cinematic masterpieces. Cinematic black bars instantly enhance visual storytelling by creating drama, emphasizing moments, and framing key shots artistically. Professional wedding video editors utilize this simple yet effective method to distinguish their videos from competitors, making outsourcing to specialized editors highly beneficial.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Cinematic Black Bars Quickly in Premiere Pro

1. Create a New Adjustment Layer:
   • Click on the “New Item” button in the Project panel.
   • Select “Adjustment Layer” and drag it above your video footage on the timeline.
2. Applying the Crop Effect:
   • Go to the Effects panel.
   • Type “Crop” into the search bar.
   • Drag the Crop effect onto your adjustment layer.
3. Adjust the Crop Settings:
   • Select the adjustment layer in your timeline.
   • In the Effects Controls panel, adjust the “Top” and “Bottom” percentages (typically 10%-13% for a standard cinematic look).
4. Customize Your Black Bars:
   • Fine-tune the height by slightly increasing or decreasing the crop percentages based on preference.
5. Save as Preset:
   • Right-click on the Crop effect in the Effects Controls panel.
   • Select “Save Preset” for future use, significantly speeding up your workflow.