Instructional Video Production

Instructional Video Production 4(1+3)

Lesson 03: Principles of Visual Grammar

The l80-degree rule

Crossing the imaginary line that runs between the characters in a scene and the observing camera will involve a sense of discontinuity, as the person facing right will suddenly appear to be facing left, and hence away from his companion. To avoid this, the camera is normally shifted even as the shot is recorded or, alternately, cut-ins or cut¬aways are used. A possible cut-in could be a straight on close-up of one the persons in the frame. Figure 1.17 illustrates the imaginary line passing through two persons and the appropriate placement of cameras to get the right shots. The third camera position on the right is a wrong choice unless one chooses to use a cut-in or cut-away. Alternately, the camera can jump 180 degrees if the shot is continuous without a cut.