180 Degree Rule

This week, our task was to understand the 180 Degree Rule, a Shot Reverse Shot, 30 Degree Rule, Over the Shoulder Shot and Match on Action. We further demonstrated that we understood these techniques by using them in our practical work.

180 Degree Rule

The 180 Degree Rule is a cinematic term involving the distance between two actors within a frame. It can involve an invisible 180 Degree line passing through the actors to indicate what to include in the shot. Once the line is mapped out, the shot can be filmed within the area, but the camera shot should not pass over the line.

Shot Reverse Shot

The 180 Degree Rule can be broken when the camera passes over the invisible line and films in the opposite area. This is called a Reverse Shot and can be most commonly shown in an ‘Over the Shoulder’ (OTS) shot. By doing this, it can make the scene feel disorientating through the flip of camera angles between two characters. This shot can also be filmed with only one character who is having a conversation with themselves. This could be shot through a mirror to portray their contrasting personality.

30 Degree Rule

The 30 Degree Rule is a method used when cameras that are shooting the same subject are at least 30 degrees distance away from one another. This method is used so that the shots do not appear jumpy and are recognisably different from the other shots. Furthermore, the 30 degree rule helps the scene to flow better and look more natural.

Over The Shoulder Shot

An Over The Shoulder Shot (OTS) is when the camera is placed over the ‘off screen’ characters shoulder. This is used to portray to the viewer that there is someone else in the scene, but their focus is directed at the character in focus in that scene. This scene is useful to use when two or more characters are having a conversation. If there is a camera positioned over both characters shoulders, this could also act as a Shot Reverse Shot.

Match On Action

A Match On Action technique allows a scene to have multiple shots of the same subject from different angles. This method allows the scene to feel uninterrupted and that the scene flows whilst using different angles. Match On Action is a continuity technique that matches the action happening in the previous shots.

To demonstrate these techniques, in a small group, we shot a short scene, using each of the methods. Before shooting the scene, I created a storyboard that mapped out the angles and shots we needed to include. I have included this storyboard below.

I have also created a photographic storyboard below of still images from the scene that we shot using the techniques.

1. Our opening, establishing shot included a Long Shot of the subject. We shot this scene by using the rule of thirds, deliberately placing the subject in the middle of the screen to highlight the main focus to the viewer.

2. In our second shot we used an Over the Shoulder (OTS) shot when the subject sat down at the table. Although we have not seen the other character yet, the viewer is aware that they are there through the use of this shot.

3. In our third shot, we used another OTS shot, however, we also used a Shot Reverse Shot. This is clear because the camera has now flipped to the other side of the table, positioned over the other characters shoulder, making the previously unknown character the main subject in this shot.

4. In the fourth shot, we further used the Over the Shoulder and Shot Reverse shot methods to ensure that our scene was clear and orientating for the viewer.

1. In the fifth shot, we used two more methods – The Rule of Thirds and 180 Degree Rule. By using the Rule of Thirds, both characters are positioned to the left and right of the screen, creating a balanced feel to the scene. We were also able to demonstrate the 180 Degree Rule with a clear line between the camera and the action happening in front of the camera. This allowed the scene to have a clearly orientated end.

During this task, I think that we were able to successfully demonstrate the new techniques that we learnt. In the future, I would like to further explore the 30 Degree Rule and include some scenes where Match on Action can be used. Through this exercise, I learnt the different techniques that are used when filming conversation scenes and the meanings and emotions that they can convey. In the future, I will apply this work when filming conversation scenes and positioning both the actors and the cameras in the correct places when filming a scene.