In Layman's terms can someone please explain to me the 180 degree rule. I kind of have a concept of it, but I', not 100% sure what it is. I know it has to do with putting cameras in a certain spot so the audience doesn't get disoriented, but I'm not too sure. So could someone with a little more technical know than I, explain this rule.
Much Thanks
Generally speaking, if you're shooting a scene where, say, two people are talking to each other, you imagine a line between them and then keep the camera on the same side of that line. Then when you cut between closeup shots, the people will be on opposite sides of the frame, and appear to be talking to each other.
You can often get away with breaking the rule, but it can be distracting if you're not careful.
OK, I'm still a little confused about this 180 degree thing. So, the camera can't cross the line? But then how would you do over the shoulder shots?
So for instance say Raoul and Jean (nice names huh?;)?) are sitting at a table, eating brunch and having a casual conversation about...I don't know the Solar System!
Raoul
---------------------------------------------------------
Jean camera
So the camera cannot cross that Thin Blue Line (haha?;)?)? But if it can't cross the line the how would you go over behind Raoul and get an over-the-shoulder shot, looking at Jean. And vice versa?
I may have just further complicated things for myself, but hopefully one you you fine persons can clear it up...
Much Thanks!
The line is from one actor to the other, not across the location between them. In your picture it would be vertical rather than horizontal.
quote:
Originally posted by MarkG
Then when you cut between closeup shots, the people will be on opposite sides of the frame, and appear to be talking to each other.
The basic point is if you've got both figures in the picture nobody will be confused. The audience has enough information to put it together mentally. If you shoot the left profile throughout a scene and then one closeup has the right profile it may appear that the actor turned their back on the person they were talking to. Some audience members will understand, others won't. It depends upon the context. You don't want to accidentally confuse anyone so the rule was created.
There are lots of ways around the basic rule (props or background that helps with orientation, move the camera, additional setups from the new angle, move the actors) but its best to know this sort of thing when you are on location rather than try to force it later in post.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
the only way you can cross the line is if you establish a new master shot with someone else walking into the shot or physically moving the camera such as a dolly shot across the back of one of the characters shoulders then the 180 changes
Once a Shotta always a shotta.
Movies are the motion of words.
Flying Buddha Productions, LLC.
flyingbuddhaproduction?gmail.com
Once a Shotta always a shotta.
Movies are the motion of words.
Flying Buddha Productions, LLC.
flyingbuddhaproduction?gmail.com
