Camera lesson two - 180 degree rule

We went into the camera studio and first of all learnt about the 180 degree rule. The rule is used when you need to film one or two things. You have to create an imaginary line on which you have to keep the camera on one side of that line. If you break the rule you have “crossed the line”. It’s called the 180 degree rule as the camera can’t move more than 180 degrees around the characters or objects.  If the camera swaps over to the other side for one of the shots, the pictures won’t work together. Instead of two characters facing each other it will now look as if they are facing the same direction.

There are occasions where you need to change the line, you need to do this carefully otherwise you leave the audience getting confused. You have to visually show this through a tracking shot physically filming it as its moving.

We were then showed how to start shooting a full scene. It is crucial that you allow the film to play all the way through and even film a bit longer then you need to so that you have the option to use it. We can cut to a point and this gives us the ability to use as much or as little as we want. So always film the whole sequence. This is also why it’s important to shoot a wide long shot first, to act as a “safety shot”. No matter what you end up with usable footage that you can cut when you need to.

While filming we were taught about all the important “call signs “ that the professionals use.

1. “Quiet on set” – director or assistant director shouts this so the crew know filming is about to begin.
2. “Standing by”
3. “Roll camera/camera” – lets the film maker know when to press record.
4. “Camera Rolling”- this is what the camera man shouts back to make it clear he is filming.
5. “speed and sound” – to show the sound is ready
6. “Action”- Acting begins.