Practising the 180 degree rule, and shot reverse shot

For the task below, I will be demonstrating the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot. The 180 degree rule maintains continuity. For an example when filming two people speaking to one another, it is important to film within the 180 degree block. So you may be filming shot reverse shot of  two people facing each other, with one person on the left and the other responding on the right. The 180 degree rule ensures that they have the same eyeline match; and that they remain in their original positions. The person on the left would remain on that side, as would the person on the right which wouldn't be achieved if the 180 degree axis was broken.

Using the example of the two people conversing with each other, shot reverse shot would be straight cuts of each persons reaction. So you would film the reaction of one person, and then the reaction of the other. You would then edit the shots to continuously flow via a straight cut after each other; to show them facing one another as well as responding.



After having successfully established the rules of the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot, we took to demonstrating the two through filming. We had creative freedom in terms of the content and dialogue of our sketch, as long as they showed the two rules. Our sketch simply consisted of Bryony (team member), and I having a brief conversation with one another. Amy (team member) took on the role of filming; and we decided to use a tripod to enhance the steadiness of the shots.We took mise-en-scene into consideration, and decided on our schools common room. We did this as we are familiar with it, and hence had a relaxed atmosphere. At the time of filming we ensured the common room was empty, so that we could focus on positioning the camera and actors without having to worry about spacing.

The sketch was filmed within the 180 degree block, which enabled the conversation to flow and have continuity throughout. This means that we ensured that the camera was positioned within the imaginary semi-circle; with one actor standing on the left and the other on the right. It was essential that both actors stayed in their positions, to make the conversation flow without confusion and seem effortless. It also ensured that there was an eye line match between me and Bryony, which also made it seem realistic. The shot reverse shot captured both of our facial expressions, and allows the viewer to clearly see the way in which we responded to one another.The camera was positioned fairly close to us as the actors, as this captured our expressions which were a vital part of the shot reverse shot. We carefully made the decision to choose two actors for the sketch, as it maintained the simplicity and clarity between the shots.



After having filmed the task, we each uploaded the filming onto iMovie where we took to editing it. We edited the shots via clear cuts, to show who was speaking after who. The continuity of the shot gave the illusion that the conversation was filmed all in one go, which originally wasn't the case. We first filmed Bryony speaking with short pasues, which was then followed by me. The short pauses later gave us the opportunity to edit in each of our responses and reactions.

Evaluation:

The lighting may have been a problem while filming, as I stood directly in the light coming from the windows behind me. This may confuse the audience as it can give off the impression that Bryony and I are in different locations; as it is darker where she is positioned. To prevent this from happening in the future, we will make sure the positions we choose to stand in have roughly the same brightness.