a screen direction rule that camera operators must follow - an imaginary line on one side of the axis of action is made (e.g., between two principal actors in a scene), and the camera must not cross over that line - otherwise, there is a distressing visual discontinuity and disorientation; similar to the axis of action (an imaginary line that separates the camera from the action before it) that should not be crossed
when shooting a film the camera must single handedly create a realistic environment for the audience to follow. The 180 degree rule is one of the most consistent things in film and is something the audience can 99% of the time rely on , although it can be broken (and still effectively create a space).
ReplyDeleteWell, this is an interesting fact about film and video that would indeed categorize the pros and the wannabe's. I'm surprised that this method isn't as obvious to the eye of a filmmaker as it is to an audience.
ReplyDeletefor some reason the 180 degree rule just seems to be common sense, possibly because it is aesthetically pleasing to eye granted... but it definitively has an obviously effect on the space
ReplyDeleteLots of things wrong with what is stated above, this technique does not separate the"pros" from the "wanna-be's", if you know what you're doing you don't have to follow this rule, while it might be a good technique to use it is far from being that wall that separates the amateurs from the professionals. I can think of many occasions that this technique can be broken effectively, and has been by many who are considered masters. The 180 degree rule is NOT common sense, it is a very simple technique that can drive even the best director insane, because, mind you, that the 180 degree rule doesn't just apply to a conversation scene, you can do it for a car chase, a dramatic scene, anything, which means you are constantly thinking about how to keep the characters on the same side of the 160 degrees you chose at the beginning of the scene, or film. For example, if you notice there are many war films from the early 20's all the way to the present, usually the audience doesn't even notice this, but the soldiers are ALWAYS moving from either the left side of the screen to the right side of the screen or the right side to the left when marching anywhere, throughout the ENTIRE film, you will never see them marching the other way unless they turned the line around to go back. Also, you'd be wrong to think that the audience notices any of this, they don't, they just can't keep up as well, I have never heard of any average movie-goer tell me when the 180 degree rule was broken, ever, because they have no idea why it was an awkward scene, they just know it was. You also have to take into account I see this rule broken all the time in everyones videos at least a little, even mine, (Of course), it isn't as apparent because when amateurs make films they don't think about the audience as much as much as they should, even me, I get caught up in the shots, I don't always think about how it will clip together, and I'll be damned if anyone else does. Even big directors have the editor and cinematographer there with them to triple check how it will look. Alright that's my two cents, later ya'll.
ReplyDeleteIt makes things more natural for the viewer, it's like when your editing a combat shot you don't splice things together where the punch changes direction you splice things together so that it is like they are punching with the other hand instead, because it looks more natural from the audience's point of view.
ReplyDeleteWELL, the 180 degree rule is obviously important because you don't want to confuse the viewer. You want to make sure the audience isn't taken aback by a sudden/different shot. You want to establish the position of the actors so the audience can follow!!! (:
ReplyDeleteits a common rule, that if followed can help the audience focus and create a clearer concept.
ReplyDeleteAs the maker of the video, but not the creator of the name "rule", I'd say it's more appropriate to call it more of a technique or guideline than a "rule". It's just a common technique that is affective.
ReplyDeleteI honestly thought this was common knowledge, it helps the viewers focus on what is said ha perhaps the background.
ReplyDeleteThis rule is time consuming. Having to do one scene with three or four angles means you have to shoot the scene three, four, even five times to get the desired effect. Plus there are the al so funny hair changeups that can be noticed if one watches for them. You know the ones that happen between angles that can many times be overlooked by the director and skipped by the editor. Her hair is in back of her ears now its in front now it's behind the shoulders...etc. if you haven't noticed look at the goofs for your favorite live action movie I'm sure threre is one incident listed.
ReplyDeleteas i have never took any film classes or have had past experiences with film makeing this actualy helped me speed things up as in giving me some tips on how to shoot some film
ReplyDeleteLooking back at this, I don't think that it is necessarily a rule. I think it can create an easier picture for the audience to follow, which is always helpful. I also think that if you have a somewhat normal screenplay or concept that breaking this rule would create a much more interesting film and would spice it up.
ReplyDeletethe rule seems to be a mean of creating an environment for the viewer , from that intimacy it is more natural for the viewer to follow. i find it interesting how the rule is a small but an easy task to neglect.
ReplyDelete