The 180 Degree rule

180 Degree rule example

The 180° rule is a cinematography guideline that states that two characters in a scene should maintain the same left/right relationship to one another . When the camera passes over the unseeable line between both characters, it is called crossing the line and the shot becomes what is called a reverse angle. It's also a very similar technique to shot/reverse shot except it doesn't cross the line and uses a variety of shots and angles unlike shot/reverse shot, which sets the scene and focuses on characters reactions.

As you can see in this image there are a variety of cameras one side of the two actors, Camera D however is out of line as it ruins the shot and looks funny to viewers as it means both characters would be looking the same way, showing a minor error which can have big impact on films. The other 3 though, are all on one side of the line and give you the ideas of the shots you cant take with this technique,the camera can go as close/far and around the people as it likes, as long as it doesn't cross the 180 line boundary in-between the two characters.

Here is a film example of 180 degree rule from the STAR WARS series the episode: A New Hope. But what it gives us is a range of different shots, whats going on and character reactions without crossing the imaginary line through the middle. However, there is a section at around about 20 seconds where the characters swap sides of the shot, this doesn't break the rule because the camera doesn't cross the line as the shots are either angled just behind so its not directly behind or not their so it can continue the rule from the new perspective staying in rule guidelines.

Here is an example of our own 180 degree rule

Types of Camera angles in Film

In the film industry there are a variety of camera shots/angles editors use to gain effect in their films. What I am about to show you is the variety of Camera angles/shots and why they're used and how they are effective in the filming industry.

BIG CLOSE UP

Taken from: STAR WARS; Return Of The Jedi

The first shot is Big close-up this shot is basically used in film to introduce us to a character, get their facial expressions and get us the characters emotions. It can also be used to see the characters reactions when in confrontation with another character. It's also used to show the physical features of a human or object, what it does is make us aware of specific detail or create tension dependent on the type of scene or film genre for example in thrillers.






CLOSE-UP

The angle close-up is a head only shot where we are met by the characters face where we connotate the characters emotions and why the character is presented the way they are. This shot is most commonly used when a new character is introduced, so that the viewers can analyse the character to know what's in store. It's blurs out background to focus on the object/character to make us either feel comfortable or uncomfortable with them. It's also a very common shot in romances


MEDIUM CLOSE-UP

 STAR WARS: The Empire Strikes Back

Most common in dialogue scenes, the medium close-up camera angle takes us to a new level where we are given more than the face, but the background, where we can see what the setting is all about, in these shots background detail is minimal to keep your focus once again, on the character. However these shots have minimal detail because it's most likely you've already been inducted into the surroundings, and this way they can take your attention and put it into the dialogue. This is effective if the scenes dialogue is essential to the storyline.

MID-SHOT

STAR WARS: A New Hope

Don't get this shot confused with three shot (explained below) but what this shot does is focus on the waist up, just like the human eye would do at first glance. The purpose of this shot is to give us the idea of a characters body posture, expressions and not too mention the background which is crucial in films, the mid-shot is used very commonly and can be used when characters are in dialogue, or giving  information. In this context shown we can see its used to start a new scene and give us an idea of where our protagonists are. (If you want the feel of mid-shot ignore the two wide characters and focus on the man in the middle)

MEDIUM LONG SHOT

STAR WARS: The Empire Strikes Back

Medium Long Shot is very similar to Mid shot, except that it reveals far more to give the viewer an idea of the setting whilst retaining focus on character, in this angle we can get an idea on the character in the way they're presented and the way they present themselves. It can be similar to Two shot as its mainly presented with one or more characters, However the main purpose of the shot is to emphasise the background image.

LONG/WIDE SHOT

This shot shows us whats going on in the film and presents us with either many or none figures, but the main purpose of the shot is to show the surrounding shot where the viewer can the connate to analyse what the scenes all about and where the shot is. These type of shots are very common in opening sequences where they give audiences the context of the film they're about to watch, for example this image is taken from the opening of STAR WARS; A New Hope.
It's a full shot to remain focus on character but like Medium Long shot, it makes you look deeper into the film.

STAR WARS: A New Hope

TWO SHOT

STAR WARS: Force Awakens.

Two shot is a camera angle in which the shot encompasses over a shot of two people. The two subjects don't necessarily need to be together, as there are many shots where one actor is in the foreground (look at Over Shoulder Shot for example). These type of shots are used to establish the two characters emotions, they also help you learn the relationships between the characters, the shot can also be involved to include an introduction of a new character. Two shot doesn't necessarily have to be a still shot, it could follow the characters along from behind and still be a shot, simply as long as two characters are presented.

THREE SHOT

STAR WARS; A New Hope

Three shot, very similar to Two shot just there is one more character. These shots however, are very common within conference scenes or when characters meet, it can help the viewers analyse the status of the group and what their intentions in the film are. There is very little background view to prevent audience eyes from wondering and focus specifically on character faces, so that you can learn the characters and adapt to their emotions.

HIGH ANGLE SHOT

STAR WARS: Return Of The Jedi

High Angle Shot is a camera shot from above specifically used in Horrors or Action films. The shots intentions are to emphasise the danger of circumstances (as shown below) or make the character look weak and vulnerable, it's all dependent on the moment of the film. They can make the film more dramatic, it's general effect however, is to weaken the subject and emphasise the danger. In this case its essentially used to hide the boardwalk and show the creature below to give us an idea there is no way out for the character emphasising on the point of vulnerability.  

LOW ANGLE SHOT

STAR WARS: The Empire Strikes Back

Low Angle Shot is a very psychological shot where the influence is to give the focus character hierarchy and superiority, and intentionally create fear in the viewers so that they can see, this character is the real deal. The camera is positioned so that the Camera is angled below the sight of eye-line.  

OVER-THE-SHOULDER

STAR WARS: Revenge Of The Sith

Over-The-Shoulder shot is very common when two characters are in are in dialogue, it's a shot taken from a characters perspective where the lens can focus on the opposite characters reaction, as seen in the image, this is an example except its rare for both characters to face the camera.

Shot reverse/shot

For our Media Studies, we've been set the task of using the preliminary task of filming a shot reverse shot camera technique in which we will have to use in our final piece for this exam, to get an idea of what kind of shots are in films I have uploaded a little clip of  a top film to give me the idea of what the kind of shot, shot reverse shot is. Here is an example of a shot/reverse shot clip from the series Star Wars in which all the variety of shots are shown.

The shot reverse shot technique is used mainly in filming and is very key for pointing out small things during crucial scenes. Shot reverse shot is basically an idea where when two characters are having conversation, it's all in one shot. But in fact is filming characters reactions/faces one shot after another to get the idea of how they respond to whats is going on and keep you focused on the actor.
There are no cameras that will film the face side on as it gives less effect, whereas if you have it angled in front, you get a clear view of the actors face.

There is also a master camera, which is the least used one in these kind of scenes, but it gives you a direct overview of where the characters are, what they're doing and how. The diagram shows how these cameras are set up.

This image is from Star Wars, and its one of the angles used in shot reverse shot, for when one or more characters are talking, it focuses on the character and their reaction to the conversation. It's effective because it allows you to focus on the character and not get distracted whilst watching the film so you don't miss any key moments.

Here is an example of our shot reverse shot.

My task is to create a short film piece with the shot reverse shot technique, in this piece I will be working along side Ruben Haywood, Liam Heath and Dylan Fielding, in which we'll have a small conference between two actors and will start of the piece 

An insight to Camera angles and Techniques

5 Favourite films and why I enjoy them

MY TOP 5



STAR WARS: Revenge Of The Sith

1. This is arguably my favourite film, for many reasons one being the fact it was one of the first films I ever saw, and the sci-fi aspects of the films for example all of the fighting scenes and the lightsaber duels, these really made me watch in shock, because no one had ever had an idea like this before, in the whole series we meet a man named Obi wan, the good guy, the next big thing, training Anakin, who has replaced Obi in the next big thing. But Obi wan has to be my favourite character, purely because, he's the wise old man character and they've always been my kind of characters. But what makes this film so special is that its a one of a kind and the story line for me has to be the most thrilling of the series as its when Anakin becomes the bad guy and no one suspects it because he never has signs of it in any of the films. There is just too much about the film to say hence why it has to be my favourite, Disagree? Then why don't you see it for yourself?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2.Is Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, this has to be my second favourite and most favourite Harry Potter of the series. For many reasons, first of all its the most appealing of them all and for me its the most action packed. The reason this film is on my top 5 list is because throughout growing up Harry Potter was slowly releasing films and books and I always used to read the books non stop until the next episode was released. People associate Harry Potter with a nerdy audience but I really don't see that, its an absolute classic, its full of it all! Action, Romance, Drama and a little scary side to it, not to mention the fact that its based around a fantasy. Another aspect HP appeals is because of Emma Watson and in this film she becomes good looking and makes it more interesting because Hey, who doesn't like a good looking girl? But back to point Harry Potter is made to enter a 3 man tournament in which he becomes the 4th despite being far too young to enter, which leaves not only Hogwarts but wizarding fans as to how he does it, and this leads to our main story which for me is the most key and important episode as it is full of everything and explains all your unanswered questions and the creative fantasy of J.K.Rowling makes this one of my top 5 films.

Ted

3. How could you not expect this classic to be here? Ted is literally, probably and undoubtedly the most hilarious comedy film about. The fact that there is a talking bear is pretty funny in its own mind, but this bear is literally an adult, pulling girls making money to driving a car. All sorts of things the American man today dreams about. However our film isn't just a superstar teddy bear, there is also the mix of well known top celebs such as Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis (who lets be honest is a rather good looking lady and she makes it another reason to sit and watch), and best till last, Seth McFarlane the man behind family guy, the man behind the humour. And this perfect combo of actors makes it the perfect movie to watch whenever you're in the need of a laugh. However in the film we're given the lives of two people so the film doesn't become too tedious, and mixes up the film and gives us our fantastic relationship between man and teddy-bear. But likewise again. It has to be the best comedy film I've ever seen and if you haven't, let me just say, you're missing out.

The Inbetweeners movie

4. You're probably  thinking, how is this on my list considering the films an 18. But that's what today's all about. Us teens can't stay away the 18 makes us want to watch it because it means we cant. but after seeing the inbetweeners we do see why this film series has been rated 18. But to watch such a classic comedy about 4 school odd-bods is utterly hilarious. Yes you take away some knew and interesting vocab, but the film is worth a watch. The boys go on a "lads" trip to Malia, in expectancy to get "sun, sea, s*x, sand, booze, s*x and many more things "it definitely is a must watch, just because every heart-felt and sad moment they turn into a comedy act. The one negative which makes this not so high on the list is due to a set scene involving two of our characters. But asides that, this film is a major step up in comedy, and considering its 4 year age, the film is still majorly upbeat and Will's character playing narrator couldn't be any better, putting this one as a strong contender in this list.

STAR WARS: The Phantom Menace

5. Yes, another Star Wars. Except this is the first, the creation, the opener, the key to arguably the best film franchise the world has embraced (well, that's my opinion anyway). Star Wars The Phantom Menace was a big start to a massive journey in George Lucas's biggest film series yet. The first one is an absolute classic and what draws you in is all these new things you've never seen on TV before. It had it all, fights, violence, and racing, what kind of Sci-Fi offers this? Star Wars. What drew me to star wars though was the addition of some new and unique things, such as tartan Jar-Jar Binks (as shown in pic) for me as a young child this was insane as it was new and aliens were so cool back then. But now I look back on this movie and see a sheer classic that any man, boy or child could spend his Sunday watching. There are just a lot of cool space like effects that intrigue you let alone the catchy background songs in certain situations. But if you're ever lacking in films, The Phantom Menace is for you, simply because you'll become so engrossed you'll have to flip out the wallet to splash money on the other 6 films. Star Wars: TPM at number 5 and will always be there considering the age of the film and the fact no matter how many times you watch it or how old you are, it never gets old.

About me:

Hello everyone,

 I've chosen to do Media for one of my A-level courses, my name is Aidan Walker. The reason being as I'm very interested in what the course has to offer,and can help me access my choices in my future much easier and give me some new ideas in what I would like to do. And the whole idea of media fascinates me simply because it's rather new and there are multiple views on the whole thing so it would be nice to see what makes Media what it is. I also have chosen to study it, because I hope to pursue a career that is media related, something like a presenter, whether its football on Match Of The Day or news on BBC One, It's always been a lifelong dream to pursue a career in the Media side of life. In this course, I would be delighted to come out of it with an A, However, considering I've never done media before, a B for me would be ideal.

Another reason I have chosen to do media is because I'm intrigued to see as to why social media is so popular today and how it manipulates today's audiences, and find out what makes some things stand out more than others. And why some producers use set signs in their films/music videos, and why some of us see things different to others and the all new meanings Media gives us today. 

 I feel i'll be very suited to this course as media is always in my day to day routines, for example some of my hobbies like playing Xbox with my pals, watching TV to keep up to date with things, more of my hobbies include playing sports like football or going out with my mates to strike the odd knuckle(football). I also really enjoy History, which I also have chosen to do for my A-levels. I am also a big fan of the team Manchester City whom I've supported since I learnt about football.

Things I dislike however have to include any food items to do with tomatoes as I absolutely hate them, as well as not being punctual (On time etc).

Introduction to my blog and media course