Cinematography Rules

By Rory Forde
 Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a rule used in
photography and cinematography. The
idea of this rule is that a shot is split
into 9 different boxes, the part where
each box meets another box at the
corners are the parts where the
cameraman should line up important
items to be emphasized.
 180 Degree Rule
The 180 degree rule is where an
invisible line is drawn through the
centre of two people talking to
eachother. The idea is that the camera
cannot pass over this line otherwise
risking confusion by using too different
angles when filming the conversation.
 Shot types
Establishing shot: A shot used to show the audience where the
filming is taking place
Wide shot: A wide angle shot that includes a lot of scenery, it can
also include a group of people
Two shot: When there is two people in a shot
Over the shoulder shot: A shot where the camera is placed just
behind somebodys shoulder, it gives the audience a good idea of
the perspective the character has
Close up: A shot where the camera is zoomed and focused on to
someone, this is usually a shot from shoulder upwards
Dolly: When the camera is placed on a track, this allows for the
camera to continuously track a person or object of significance
Low angle shot: A shot taken from below someone facing them, this
is usually used to make an antagonist look intimidating
Birds eye view: A shot taken from above looking down at the scene