59 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
59 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
### 180‑Degree Rule
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> The camera must stay on one side of an imaginary line (the **axis of action**) so that left and right remain consistent for the viewer.
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> This is not The Matrix, you are not one of the Wachowskis.
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Note:
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Introduce the idea of spatial grammar; viewers build a mental map within seconds. Violating it breaks immersion.
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180‑Degree Rule
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<img src="images/30-180-degree/180-degree-rule.png" alt="Illustration of the action axis with safe camera positions" />
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180‑Degree Rule
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#### The Axis of Action
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* Subject A always screen‑left, Subject B screen‑right.
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* Any camera placed within the 180° arc keeps this orientation.
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Note:
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Point to coloured semicircle on slide—explain that this is the camera's “safe zone.”
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--
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#### What Happens If You Cross?
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* Subjects swap screen sides → confusion.
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* Eyelines no longer match → broken eye contact.
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* Movement direction reverses (car appears to turn around).
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Note:
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Play a 5‑second clip of a conversation where one shot accidentally crosses; ask the room what feels “wrong.”
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--
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#### Three Ways to Cross Cleanly
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1. **Neutral (on‑line) shot** – cut to a shot that sits directly on the axis, then to the new side.
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2. **Visible camera move** – dolly/pan across the line within a single shot.
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3. **Subject movement** – have the actor walk across the axis; cut once they’ve settled on the other side.
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Note:
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Emphasise that each method gives the audience a visual “ticket” allowing the flip.
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--
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#### Breaking the Rule — Deliberately
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> Rules are guidelines; break them with intent.
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* Fight chaos, dream logic, psychological disorientation.
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* Use colour or lighting cues to anchor geography even when L/R flips.
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Note:
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Show quick montage from "The Bourne Ultimatum" to illustrate purposeful disorientation.
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