180 Degree rule, match on action, shot types and camera angles

180 Degree rule

It is a guideline based on the spatial relationships between characters or objects

It involves picturing an axis going vertically through characters/objects. The whole point of having an axis is so that the characters/objects have the same left/right relationship. This avoids confusing the audience of where these characters/objects are placed

If you would like to switch sides of the axis, you must show the camera moving to the other side.

Breaking the rule can sometimes be called crossing the line or jumping the line.

Match on action

This is a film/video editing technique in which the editor cuts from one shot to another but all the shots relate to the previous one – showing a clear relationship between the two and creating continuity within the scene.

Frequently used shot types

Long shot This shows the characters full body and is used to show the character in

relation to its surroundings.

Close-up

This shot focuses on a part of the body or an object in particular- the audience cannot see much of the background.

This shot often show a characters reaction to something or it highlights an important object/prop.

Extreme-Close up

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This is an even overblown version of a close up used for emphasis on a particular part of the body.

Medium shot

This typically shows a person from the knees upwards. A medium shot can also consist of two shots and three shots which

involve the number of people within the frame.

Frequently used camera angles

High angle The camera faces downwards on the person or object usually portraying them to

be inferior in relation to other characters within the scene.

Low angle This is opposite to high angle- the character or object is seen as superior.

Canted angle

This is tilting the camera slightly to make everything look distorted and unbalance. This is often done through a point of view shot if there is a fight within a scene.

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