CAMERA WORKSHOP 3: 180 DEGREE RULE

In today's workshop we were divided into groups and given a one page script and asked to film this into a sequence. The key to this task was understanding the 180 degree rule and following it. The script was very simple, two characters come together, sit down across from each other and then have a small conversation and then one leaves at the end. We could interpret this in any way we wanted.

I chose to have my version with an entrance of both characters before they begin the dialogue. My idea was to have them both on 'oppersite' sides of the room, entering like in a classic western, with each character entering from a different side and being on the correct side of the camera following the rule. Then sitting down at a chair and having the conversation. I wanted to not only test the rule with dialogue, but with characters entering the scene as well.

From doing this I've begun to get ideas on how I could have my characters filmed in my script. Entering the room was something I wanted to practice the most. Having the characters entering and than panning with them to follow with the action. I moved the camera a lot to get the right shots and feel like I understood this rule and but it into good use. I got all the coverage I needed and worked well with my group. Here's my final edit for my video:

I'm pleased how this turned out. During the edit I worked through the footage and thankfully didn't have any issues with it. I chose to add in the classic theme from 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' as this is always associated with this sort of entrance. The music works well together with the entrance and then cuts off as we go into the action and dialogue, I did this as a sort of comical edit and going into the scene then.

I made the cuts quick and snappy, getting the pace going and running steady and smoothly. Finally, to work with that sort of old cowboy style I chose to colour correct it and give it a slight orange tint like you get in a western movie. Although the setting isn't the same I felt this worked and fitted with this style. I also feel I have understood the 180˚ Rule correctly and made it work well in this project.