Production Rules

180 degree rule

In film making, the 180° rule is a basic guideline that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.



Match on Action

When the camera moves to follow a particular action, for example somebody being filmed inside about to open the door to leave and then moving the camera outside to film the person walking outside. The camera moves in order to keep the action fluent.

Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is the predominant style of editing in narrative cinema and television. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over th  discontinuity of the editing process and to make the shots look more realistic. E.g. If somone has a broken left arm make sure that the sling is always placed on the left to avoid conintuity.


Shot Reverse Shot

Ability to view dialogue between two people without speech e.g. facial expressions/ winks. The body language adds more emotion into the scene and can enhance feelings or moods.


Eye Line Match

Seeing what the character sees and following their sight. E.g. a ball flying through the air - the camera shows a close up of the characters face and eyes following the flying object, then it switches to the actual flying object. This shot is shown from the perspective of the character to show the audeince exactly what they see. Therefore making them feel more involved.