Camera Lesson No.2

The 180 Degree Rule says that when you have two characters in a frame they should have the same right and left relationship to each other. If you break the 180 degree rule, it breaks up the scene and disorients the viewer. When the rule is broken, the character who was  facing left in a scene now faces right, and vice versa. 

  

The camera is free to move and position itself in any angle as long as it doesn't cross the 'imaginary' 180 degree line. Especially in a dialogue, by crossing the line it confuses the audience and visually changes the actors positions. However, depending on the genre and plot, the filmmaker can intentionally cross the line so that it can trick the audience and make the scene unpredictable.

Filming an entire scene for full length:

By filming a scene in full length it gives the editors some leeway to cut down the clip into smaller sections. It is easier to cut down a  long sequence than to extend a short scene.


Wide/Long shot:

Filmmakers usually shoot most scenes in a wide/long shot, this is effective in capturing all the events in the frame and to use it as a reference point when doing close-ups and other camera angles.It is also economical, because in case the cast and crew run out of time on set, they always have a wider shot of the entire sequence, which is better than many detached close ups of the characters and props.

Not shooting at eye level:

If shooting at eye level, the sequence may be too boring because it is displayed from one shot the entire time. Placing the camera at a certain height and angle gives the scene meaning and is more visually interesting for the audience.