RESEARCH ON 180 DEGREE RULE, MATCH ON

ACTION AND SHOT TYPES

Adi Mohamed


JUNE 17, 2014
HALFWIT PRODUCTIONS
Oaks Park

180 Degree Rule:
The 180 degree rule is a filming technique, which means that the camera that
is filming a scene must always stay on the same side of the 180 degree axis. It
is important that the camera doesnt cross the 180 degree axis as it will look
like the characters within the scene have swapped sides, which will obviously
be spotted by the audience as a movie mistake thus resulting in bad ratings
from the audience.
An example of the 180 degree rule:

An example of the 180 degree rule
being broken:
The following image is a normal
conversation between two
characters
The man in a suit is on the right and
the man in casual clothing is on the
left. However when the 180 degree
rule is broken the characters would
look as if they have changed sides
when it is just the camera.
The next image shows the effects of
breaking the 180 degree rule, as
you can see it looks really
unprofessional after a simple cut to
the next shot shows that both
characters have swapped sides



Match On Action:
Match on action is an editing technique that is used for continuity editing, in
which one shot of someone performing an action cuts to another shot of
them continuing the action from a different perspective. This technique gives
an impression of continuity to the audience as it allows them to connect the
different shots up and allows the scene to flow simply.
Example of Match on Action:


Shot Reverse Shot:
Shot reverse shot is a continuity editing technique usually consisting of a
conversation between two people. This technique allows the audience to
see the both characters reactions throughout the conversation. The
technique is also far more engaging for the audience. It is also important for
the continuity of the scene that when shot reverse shot is used between two
characters, the 180 degree rule is always followed when filming.
Example of Shot Reverse Shot:





Shot Types:

Extreme Close Up
This shot is mainly used to focus on a
particular feature such as the eyes. Most
commonly used for a dramatic effect and
allows the audience to see the film in a
significant perspective.

Close Up -
Close up shots are used to show detail but
not just in a specific object or feature. They
are most commonly used to show a
characters reaction to an incident or a
scene.






Medium Shot
This shot generally captures the
head of a character and just
above their knees. It is generally
used to show the actions of a
specific subject. As you can see,
the image shot so that the
character is the main focus, this is
also done by the use of depth of
field.




Long shot
This image is known as a long shot as it captures
the whole body of the character as well as
ensuring that the character is the main focus of
the scene. This can be done by effective use of
depth of field.






Extreme long shot-









Extr
eme longshot shows the camera placed at a very far distance from the main
subject of the scene to almost isolate them. It allows the audience to view
the real visuals of a particular location. It is also commonly known as an
establishing shot.






Over the shoulder shot
This shot is a really engaging way of showing a conversation between two
people as well as showing the reactions and gestures made by both
characters. The main focus in this shot is the face of the only character that
can be seen. For example in the image above, Harry Potters face is the only
subject in focus.