Stanley Kubrick often "crossed the line" with his camera, with the desired effect to disorientate the viewer.
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The Line Of Action
The Line of Action is a simple rule that controls camera angles to maintain a consistent screen direction and space. Basically, it prevents action from going the wrong way, and cutting back and forth on a different axis. For example, someone walks left to right in one shot, then we cut to another angle, and they continue to walk left to right. It is also employed to keep eye-lines correct.
Let's use the example of two people seated opposite one another at a table. Where you draw the line of action is up to you, but more often than not, it would be the line of sight between the two actors. If you draw a 180 degree semi circle from this line, you establish your working space, the area in which you can happily place the camera.
This Flash animation illustrates the Line of Action, and the consequences of editing together shots from opposing sides.
As you see, the cameras that are over the line result in a reversal of direction when sewn together with shots taken from the correct side of the line.
The Line of Action also facilitates another convention - the triangle system of camera placement. All the basic shots possible for any subject can be taken from three points within the 180 degree circle. In the above example, we see the middle camera can obtain the two shot from profile, while the side cameras can focus on one subject each. That way, the whole scene is played out in a master shot, with two single profile shots.
Where you would place the three cameras (or, if you have one camera, reposition it) is up to you. You could use an over the shoulder shot on one subject, a Point of View shot on another, while the third position takes a master shot from directly above. The point is, if you place the camera within the 180 degree circle, the spatial geography of the scene will remain constant, and any shot can be joined to another.
Establishing A New Line Of Action
If strictly adhered to, which it does not need to be, the rule means the only time a camera can cross the line of action is when a new line is established. This can be done through a new sight line, when someone joins a conversation, or when an actor changes position.
A new line of action can also be established when an actor moves positions. Moreover, you can cross the line by simply moving the camera in an uninterrupted motion.
This 180 degree, line of action rule is not hard and fast, but it is a simple and quick way to establish geography and maintain continuity.
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The Line of Action is a simple rule that controls camera angles to maintain a consistent screen direction and space. Basically, it prevents action from going the wrong way, and cutting back and forth on a different axis. For example, someone walks left to right in one shot, then we cut to another angle, and they continue to walk left to right. It is also employed to keep eye-lines correct.
Let's use the example of two people seated opposite one another at a table. Where you draw the line of action is up to you, but more often than not, it would be the line of sight between the two actors. If you draw a 180 degree semi circle from this line, you establish your working space, the area in which you can happily place the camera.
This Flash animation illustrates the Line of Action, and the consequences of editing together shots from opposing sides.
As you see, the cameras that are over the line result in a reversal of direction when sewn together with shots taken from the correct side of the line.
The Line of Action also facilitates another convention - the triangle system of camera placement. All the basic shots possible for any subject can be taken from three points within the 180 degree circle. In the above example, we see the middle camera can obtain the two shot from profile, while the side cameras can focus on one subject each. That way, the whole scene is played out in a master shot, with two single profile shots.
Where you would place the three cameras (or, if you have one camera, reposition it) is up to you. You could use an over the shoulder shot on one subject, a Point of View shot on another, while the third position takes a master shot from directly above. The point is, if you place the camera within the 180 degree circle, the spatial geography of the scene will remain constant, and any shot can be joined to another.
Establishing A New Line Of Action
If strictly adhered to, which it does not need to be, the rule means the only time a camera can cross the line of action is when a new line is established. This can be done through a new sight line, when someone joins a conversation, or when an actor changes position.
A new line of action can also be established when an actor moves positions. Moreover, you can cross the line by simply moving the camera in an uninterrupted motion.
This 180 degree, line of action rule is not hard and fast, but it is a simple and quick way to establish geography and maintain continuity.
Tweet
Back to the How To Guides