Tutorial: Page (2) of 4 - 09/16/04

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Camera 101: Don?t Cross The Line Creating visual continuity in your shots

So when is it okay to cross the line?
There are many different thoughts on when it is okay to cross the line.  Some directors pay no attention to this concept at all and think that crossing the line is ?edgy? and makes for a more interesting piece. Some call it "shooting in the round," like "theater in the round" except on video. That may be more interesting in rare instances, but in order to master your craft, you should learn the basics and understand when it is appropriate to cross the line yourself.

1) When a new Axis Line is established.  Remember I said the Axis Line usually runs between the characters eyes?  What if Person 3 joins the scene and Person 1 turns to look?

A new line has been established and thus we can position our singles along this new line.

The new line and new camera positions creates the following shots:

When edited together the sequence still flows because Person 1, turned to establish the new line.  I refer to this as a Pivot shot.

Notice in this longer sequence that the screen direction is maintained by establishing the Pivot shot and using it to transition between the two lines.

 

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