The Rules of Filming

The Rules of Filming

The 180⁰ Rule – You cannot jump from one side of a character and the object they are using to the other side as it will confuse the audience and disorientate them. This would break the rule of continuity. You can, however, jump this line of action if the establishing shot has shown the setting and therefore is less confusing for the audience.

Shot reverse shot - One character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character.

If not achieved well, then this shot may confuse the audience and they may not understand that their are two people having a conversation.

The 30 degree rule - The 30-degree rule is a basic film editing guideline that states the camera should move at least 30 degrees between shots of the same subject occurring in succession.

If done incorrectly, or not at all, then this would lose the continuity of the editing and make the shot look unnatural.

Match on action - This is when a shot cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action. For example, a man walking up to a door (first shot) and reaching for the knob (match on action).

If done well, this shot will show that something dramatic is about to happen without confusing the viewers.

Rule of thirds - This is a concept in film where the shot is divided into nine sections and acts as a guide for framing the image. Points of interest, like a subjects eyes, or the top of a building should occur 1/3 of the way, or 2/3 of the way up the shot. This is normally desired but sometimes purposely broken.

This approach is normally taken because it appears most realistic. However, some people desire to break this rule. 

Continuity - An unbroken and consistent series of events that are edited together in a naturalistic way without breaking the story.

If done wrong, it disappoints the viewer and silly little mistakes may be picked up on. For example, a characters hand moves but their speech has stayed continuous.