Shooting Dialog According to the 180 Degree Rule

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This is the 180 degree rule for shooting dialog:


You imagine a line between your actors. Keep to one side of the line while shooting. Do not cross the line or you will create a jumpy shot.

To do this activity, you will need about thirty seconds of back and forth dialogue. You can write some of your own (preferred) or use this sample: sample dialog.

Whichever you use, you will need to MEMORIZE the lines before you begin.

Start by shooting a simple two shot of the two actors.



Next, have the actors repeat their lines while you shoot an over the shoulder shot for each (staying on one side of the line).


Finally, have them repeat their lines one last time while you shoot close ups of each actor.

Project Procedure

1. Do all five shots while one person also records audio on the digital recorder.

2. Start a new project in a new folder in Final Cut.

3. Copy your files into the folder.

4. Copy the sound files from the digital recorder to your folder.

5. Import the sound files into your Final Cut project.

6. Lay the sound files under your video in separate tracks. Nudge them (use Alt and the arrow key) until you have lip synched the sound with the video.

7. Edit your piece.