Rule of Thirds, 180-degree rule and 30-degree rule

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

180-degree rule

The 180-degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene. An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character will always be frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first. If the camera passes over the axis, it is called jumping the line or crossing the line.

30-degree rule

The 30-degree rule is a basic film editing guideline that states the camera should move at least 30 degrees between shots of the same subject occurring in succession. If this rule isn't followed a jump cut occurs and there is a risk that the audience starts focusing on the filming technique instead of the story that is being narrated. The 30 degree change of perspective makes the shots different enough to avoid a jump cut. The rule is actually a special case of a more general dictum that states that the cut will be jarring if the two shots being cut are so similar that there appears to be a lack of motivation for the cut. The axial cut is a striking violation of this rule to obtain a certain effect.

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Long takes in Filmmaking

The long take, a shot of some duration, was not an aesthetic choice when it was first used. Filmmakers in the early days of cinema had no choice but to shoot their works in one continuous take, until the film ran out. 

Even as it became technically possible to have cuts in films, the finished product would often still look more like a stage drama, with a static camera stringing together a series of narrative sections. 

Hitchcock's Rope (1948), which, through editing, creates the impression of an entire film taking place during one take, and Mike Figgis's Timecode (2000), which shot digitally four ninety-minute takes concurrently. It can be used for dramatic and narrative effect if done properly, and in moving shots is often accomplished through the use of a dolly or Steadicam.

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What are Video Transitions?

Video transitions are the effects added to the video during the editing process. The way in which any two video shots are joined together is called the transition. Transitions are very important, everyone from the camera operator to the editor must have a good understanding of how to make effective transitions.

The most common transition is the cut, in which one shot changes instantly to the next. The next most common transition is the cross-fade (or mix or dissolve), where one shot gradually fades into the next. 

Fade out is a term used to describe a transition effect where the image slowly disappears into a black. This usually indicated the end of a scene or the video. Fade out is a type of dissolve effect. It is the opposite of fade out. In this transition effect the image appear from a black background. This is used in the beginning of a scene or video. A cutaway shot is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting an image of something else. It could be a different subject, a close up of a different part of the subject, or just about anything else.

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Types of Video Editing

With the advancement of technology digital editing became popular and flourished. There are some basic types of editing classified on the basis of the process.

1.      Linear Editing

Linear video editing is the process of editing analogue video tape. It is a post-production process of selecting, arranging and modifying images and sound in a pre-planned, ordered sequence. Most of the digital editing platforms have replaced the linear editing process. In the case of linear editing one cannot go back to the edited portion and re edit. It is a one way editing process. In this type of editing video sequences were edited by inserting new frames into it.

2.     Non – Linear Editing

In digital video editing, a non-linear editing system is a video and audio editing method that allows accessing any frame in a digital video clip regardless of sequence in the clip. The specialty of non – linear editing is the freedom to access any frame, and use a cut-and-paste method, similar to the ease of cutting and pasting text in a word processor. It allows to easily including fades, transitions, and other effects that cannot be achieved with linear editing. It is widely used in the digital video editing. Software like final cut pro, adobe premiere pro etc., are following this method.

3.     Offline Editing

Offline editing is part of the post-production process of filmmaking and television production in which raw footage is copied and edited, without affecting the camera original film stock or video tape. Once the project has been completely offline edited, the original media will be assembled in the online editing stage.

4.     Online Editing

Online editing is a post-production linear video editing process that is performed in the final stage of a video production. It occurs after offline editing. It is a form of live editing process. In digital video and film production, online editing is used to describe editing footage at the original highest-quality. 

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Film Editing styles

Chronological editing

Editing that follows the logic of a chronological narrative, one event follows subsequently from another, and time and space are logically represented.

Cross-cutting or parallel editing 

The linking-up of two sets of action those run concurrently and are interdependent within the narrative.

Continuity Editing/ Continuity cuts

It is the predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post-production process of filmmaking of narrative films and television programs. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.

In most films, logical coherence is achieved by cutting to continuity, which emphasizes smooth transition of time and space. However, some films incorporate cutting to continuity into a more complex classical cutting technique, one which also tries to show psychological continuity of shots. The montage technique relies on symbolic association of ideas between shots rather than association of simple physical action for its continuity.

These are cuts take us seamlessly and logically from one sequence or scene to another. This is an unobtrusive cut that serves to move the narrative along.

Match Cut

A match cut, also called a graphic match, is a cut in film editing between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorical.

Jump cut

Cut where there is no match between the two spliced shots. Within a sequence, or more particularly a scene, jump cuts give the effect of bad editing. The opposite of a match cut, the jump cut is an abrupt cut between two shots that calls attention to itself because it does not match the shots seamlessly. It marks a transition in time and space but is called jump cut because it jars the sensibilities; it makes the spectator jump and wonder where the narrative has got to. Jean Luc Godard is undoubtedly one of the best exponents of this use of the jump cut.

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What are film Editing techniques?

Film editing is part of the creative post production process of filmmaking. The term film editing is derived from the traditional process of working with film, but now it increasingly involves the use of digital technology. The film editor works with the raw footage, selecting shots and combining them into sequences to create a finished motion picture. Film editing is described as an art or skill, the only art that is unique to cinema, separating filmmaking from other art forms that preceded it, although there are close parallels to the editing process in other art forms like poetry or novel writing. 

Film editing is often referred to as the "invisible art" because when it is well practiced, the viewer can become so engaged that he or she is not even aware of the editor's work. On its most fundamental level, film editing is the art, technique, and practice of assembling shots into a coherent sequence. The job of an editor isn’t simply to mechanically put pieces of a film together, cut off film slates, or edit dialogue scenes. A film editor must creatively work with the layers of images, story, dialogue, music, pacing, as well as the actors' performances to effectively "re-imagine" and even rewrite the film to craft a cohesive whole. Editors usually play a dynamic role in the making of a film.

With the advent of digital editing, film editors and their assistants have become responsible for many areas of filmmaking that used to be the responsibility of others. Film editing is an art that can be used in diverse ways. It can create sensually provocative montages; become a laboratory for experimental cinema; bring out the emotional truth in an actor's performance; create a point of view on otherwise obtuse events; guide the telling and pace of a story; create an illusion of danger where there is none; give emphasis to things that would not have otherwise been noted; and even create a vital subconscious emotional connection to the viewer, among many other possibilities.

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Three Point Lighting technique

The three point lighting technique is produced by three types of lights, i.e., key light, fill light and back light. These lights are classified on the basis of its functions. Key light illuminates the major portion of the scene and it is the main source of illumination. It produces a level of light that creates proper exposure. Basically flood lights are used to for key lighting.

The area that is away from the range of key light will remain dark. This area is filled with illumination using a fill light. It is the source that partially illuminates dark areas. It is used to soften the harsh shadows created by the key light. The intensity of a fill light will be comparatively lesser than a key light. It reduces the contrast between bright and dark sides.

The back light is used to separate the subject from the background and create a three dimensional effect. It is used to enhance the depth of the scene. It is applied from a higher level behind the subject which is opposite to the camera. For the purpose of production the intensity of light is controlled by using barn doors. The lights will be mounted on two types of grids. One is slung lamps which are attached to the ceiling of the studio and pointing downwards. Lights are also fixed on floor stands of adjustable heights called stand lamps.

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Studio Lighting techniques

Lighting is an essential part of cinematography and video production. Lighting provides enough illumination to produce a technically acceptable picture. It conveys a visual sense of space, time and mood. Studio lighting helps to clear the shape, texture and important details desired.

When filmed, the subject and the background look two dimensional to the viewers. Lighting helps to create a convincing three dimensional image by separating the subject and layers or background of the scene. A cinematographer plans how light falls on and around the actors, how light bounces and reflects onto subjects, and where then highlights and shadows are to be.

·         Styles of lighting

There are various kinds of lighting styles applied during a production. Some of them are:

1.      Directional or Hard Light

It illuminates a relatively small area with a clear and sharp light beam. Hard light produces shadows. Shadows can reveal shapes and details of the environment. When it is used effectively it can create vibrant images and emotions.

2.     Differed or Soft light

Soft light illuminates a large area with a wide blurry light beam. It can be used to lessen or avoid shadows. When it is effectively used it can produce sensitive effects. It is also used to compare with the potential harshness of directional light.

3.     High key Lighting

High key light is a highly bright light stream and diminishes the dark areas or shadows within the scene. It produces strong lighting on the subject and the other features present in the scene.

4.     Low Key Lighting

In this type of lighting only few areas are illuminated. It produces more shadow areas. It enhances the depth of the scene and subjects using highlights and shadow.

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Camera techniques - Camera Movements

Camera movements can create brilliant visuals and effective communication. A moving shot can look more real and interesting to the viewers. Various equipment like track and trolley, dollies, rigs, jibs, cranes, drones, etc., are used in this process.

1.      Tilting

Tilting is a vertical camera movement in which the camera points up or down from a stationary position. Tilting the camera up can show the height of the subject; whereas tilting down can show the depth of a subject. Tilting up can also resembles emotions or situations like rising interest, expectation, hope and tilting down show disappointment, sadness etc. A variation of the tilt is the pedestal shot, in which the whole camera moves up or down.

2.     Panning

Panning is a horizontal camera movement in which the camera moves left and right about a central axis. This is a rotating movement, where the camera is mounted on a tripod. Panning can film a panorama view of the location. Panning should be smooth and jerk less for a perfect shot.

3.     Trucking

Trucking refers to side-to-side camera movement with respect to the action. In a trucking shot the camera move along or parallel to the subject, creating a feel that the background is moving while the subject stays stationary.

4.     Tracking

Tracking shot is defined as movement parallel to the action, at a constant distance. In this kind of shot, camera travels along the movement and actions of the subject or scene. The tracking shots use physical tracks, or hand-held walking shots, Steadicam shots, etc.

5.     Dollying

Moving the camera towards or away from the subject is dollying shot. A dolly is a cart which travels along tracks. The camera is mounted on the dolly and records the shot as it moves. Dolly shots have a number of applications and can provide very dramatic footage. Dollying creates an in and out movement. This type of shots can create varied emotions in the viewers. Dollies are operated by a dolly grip.

6.     Zooming

Zooming shot does not require the camera to move at all. Zooming means getting the subject moving closer to or further away from the action, using a zooming lens. Zoom in and zoom out are the effects created using a zooming lens. Zoom in is getting the subject closer to the camera while zoom out is moving away from the subject. It creates a great amount of creativity to the videographer. Zooming is just changing the focal length of the camera lens. As the distance from the subject varies, it also changes the entire portion of the frame, including the background.

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Camera techniques - Camera Angles

Camera angle determines the angle or position of the camera from the subject. The height and orientation or level of the camera decides the angle of the camera. Various angles can create different moods and meanings to the scene.

1.      High Angle Shot

In a high angle shot the subject or scene is filmed from a higher angle. Here the camera points downwards. The subject looks relatively smaller while filming from a higher angle.

2.     Low Angle Shot

The subject or the scene is filmed directly from below in a low angle shot. The camera is pointing upwards towards the subject and it appears larger to the viewers.

3.     Bird’s Eye View

It is an extreme of high angle shot. In this case the camera is pointing downwards to the subject from a longer distance. The camera will be either mounted on a crane or a drone. In this case the camera is directly above the subject and the subject may look too small for the viewers. It is also called overhead shot.

4.     Eye Level Shot

In this case the camera is placed proportionate to the eye level of the subject. It is commonly used in medium shots. It gives a feeling to the viewer that the character or the subject is directly looking at them.

5.     Dutch Angle Shot

In the case of Dutch angle shot the camera angle is deliberately slanted to one side. This can be used for dramatic effect and helps portray restlessness, disorientation, worried or desperate action, alcoholism, madness, etc. It is also called a Dutch tilt and oblique shot.

6.     Point of View Shot

This type of shot shows the perception or view point of a specific subject or character present in the scene. It is not deliberately used in film making. Point of view shot can make the audience feel they are watching a real incident. Found footage films and horror films have extensively used this type of shots.

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Camera techniques - Distance from the Camera/ Shot sizes

Distance from the camera is determined on the basis of the shot. A shot is a series of frames that runs for an uninterrupted period of time. It is the moment that the camera starts rolling until the moment it stops. Shots vary on the basis of the distance from the object and the angle through which the camera captures the visual. The concept of distance and proximity is important to determine the shot. Basic types of shots are:

1.      Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

In the extreme long shot, the view is so far from the subject that the subject isn't even visible. The point of this shot is to show the subject's surroundings. It is commonly used to capture landscape shots.

The extreme long shot is often used as an establishing shot. It is the first shot of a new scene that is used to show the audience where the action is taking place. It is also useful in scenes where a large number of subjects are involved. For example, in a war movie an extreme long shot can show the scale of the action. It is also called and extreme wide shot or landscape shot.

2.      Long Shot (LS)

Any shot that shows the full body of the subject is called a long shot. It shows the bottom to top of the subject and the details of the location in which the subject is situated. It can also be defined as a camera view of an object or character from a considerable distance to make the subject look relatively smaller in the frame. It is also called a wide shot or wide angle shot. It is used to show the location where the action takes place. Long shot is used to set the atmosphere of the scene. It is also used establish the interconnections between the characters in a course of broad range of action.

3.     Medium Shot (MS)

The shot that is filmed from a medium distance is called a medium shot. It refers to the presentation of the subject from the top of the head to the waist or knee. It is also called waist shot or bust shot.

The medium shot shows a portion of the background, and details of the action of the subjects. It is commonly used for two person shots and for showing working scenes. 

4.     Close Up (CU)

In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject is magnified. It takes up most of the frame. It is a shot taken from a close distance and is used for showing details. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face, i.e., persons head from shoulders or neck. A close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. It emphasizes the subject’s emotional state.

5.      Extreme Close Up (ECU)

It shows the extreme details of the subject. It is also called a detail shot or close on. It is too close to any specific part of the subject to show the general reactions or emotions.

6.     Over The Shoulder (OTS)

In this shot the camera is placed behind a subject who is looking at the main subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame. This shot helps to establish the position of each subject, and get the feel of looking at one subject from the other's point of view. This kind of shot is used during a conversation scene.

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Equipment used in Film production

The basic equipment used in a cinema production is of four types.

1.      Lights

Lights are used in a studio to provide illumination for the camera. Camera can’t capture visual without light. Different types of lights are used in a studio production. Key light, fill light and back light are the basic types of lights used in a production. (Details in three point lighting techniques)

2.     Camera

It is the key equipment used in a television production. Professional cameras are commonly used in a production. It is the quality of the camera that determines the picture quality.

3.     Microphones

Microphones are used to capture audio. Microphones used in a production studio vary in size and quality according to the requirements of the production.

4.     Live editing suit

It is used to live edit the recorded video footage of the production.

5.     Jib, track and trolley, and rigs

This equipment is used to mound the camera and move it in necessary directions.

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The Stages of Film Production - Post production

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Post production is referred to as post and it is the final stage of production process. It comprises of tasks like editing, mixing, dubbing, special effects, etc.

1.      Assembling the rushes

The rushes or raw footage of the video are sorted in an order and viewed by the producer to ensure the quality of visuals. This helps to find any missing links or scenes which are to be noted for re shoot.

2.     Editing the video

The first stage of editing is rough cut where the video is organized according to the original script. An editing suite or software is used for this purpose. No kind of effect or sound is added in a rough cut. Later the video editor proceeds for the final cut or final edit after the approval of the producer. The dubbed sound, other sound effects, animations, visual effects and title graphics are added in the final cut. There are two types of editing; namely linear and non-linear. Non- linear editing is used widely for editing.

3.     Adding sound

This comes during the final edit process. The background score and other musical sounds will be recorded earlier. This process is done in an audio recording studio by the music composer and singers. This also includes recording live sound effects. All these sound effects will be edited and added to the final video.

4.     Dubbing

Dubbing is a complex process of recording human voice. In this process the dubbing artists will deliver dialogues for the characters, in a recording studio. The lip sync with characters in the video is most important for a perfect dubbing. Sometimes the actors who played the role will dub for themselves. Nowadays live recording is widespread. So dubbing is losing its relevance.

5.     Adding Visual effects and graphics

All the video footage will not be of desired quality or color temperature. So certain changes will be made in the case of color and brightness of the video. This is called color correction. This can be done by using various editing suites or software for color correction. This process is done during the final edit stages. The graphics or computer generated imagery is also created during this period by graphic designers and animators.

6.     Adding credits or titles

In the end of the final edit, the titles and credits for the technicians involved in the production is prepared. Adding credits requires experience as the names should be added in the order of importance. The courtesy for people supported the production also include the credits. Legal warnings on smoking, drinking, etc., also comes under this category. Titles of the film will be prepared earlier using graphics or animation.

Later the final product is previewed by the producer and other responsible authorities to ensure that there are no errors, and the content of the film does not violate any policies of the studio or the concerned organization.

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The Stages of Film Production - Production

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The production process begins with shooting. Director, actors and crew gather at a television studio or on location for filming the scene. Every scene will be shot according to the shooting schedule.  The basic equipment used for production is cameras, lighting devices, audio recording devices, Jibs, trolleys and various rigs. The number of cameras used for shooting may differ according to the nature of film. Most of the studio productions like phone in films and music shows require only one camera, i.e., single camera production. 

Productions for reality shows, serials and group chats require more cameras and are called multi camera production. Lighting for production requires a number of professionals and equipment for better visual quality. Basic lights used in a production are of three types; namely key light, fill light and back light. The cinematography and lighting techniques will be supervised by the chief camera person or the director of photography.

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The Stages of Film Production - Pre production

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It is the first stage of production. It involves everything that happens before shooting. Pre-production tasks include scripting, storyboarding, planning, budgeting, casting artists; construction of sets, props, and costumes, acquiring equipment like lights, camera, etc. Pre-production involves various tasks like:

1.      Conceptualization

It is the process of creating concept. Concept or subject matter is the basic idea of the film. A concept defines the objectives of the film and says what it is about.

2.     Research

Research is the deep study conducted on the idea or concept. Various aspects of the concept are analyzed in this process. Data collection from various sources to find out the possibilities of producing the film is the main objective of this stage. Research helps to create a one line of the story which is further developed into a script.

3.     Scripting

Script is the skeleton or basic structure of what we see as a film. Scripting is the process of writing down the entire matter to be produced. There are two types of scripts; namely screenplays or story scripts and shooting scripts. The screenplay is the basic script and it describes the story in its normal order. But the order of sequences in a shooting script will be arranged in the order of shooting schedule. Sometimes different scenes from two different parts of the story will be shot at one location for the convenience of production. Shooting script helps to arrange the sequences and scenes as per the availability of location and artist.

There are three types of treatment used for scripting. First one is short treatment. It is a short outline of the film without dialogues or commentaries included in it. Next type is step outline which describes the details of the basic story line and its sub plots. It is a sequence by sequence description. The third type is Full treatment, in which the details of characters, their behavior and relations, properties used, dialogues etc. are described in details.

4.     Storyboarding

A storyboard is the pictorial representation of the scenes. It provides a graphical representation of the camera angles and helps to fix the shot during production. A production crew includes artists who draw the storyboard according to the directors or producers instructions.

5.     Casting and Crew selection

Casting is the process of selecting suitable artists for the production. It is very important as the wrong choice for a particular role can lessen the effect of entire film. Selecting talented performers and anchors for film is done under the supervision of casting director and film producer. Selection of technical staff like camera person, music composers, sound recording artists, lighting team, etc., comes under crew selection process.

6.     Planning and Shooting Schedule

Shooting schedule is the basic order of conducting a production. Sometimes scenes from different parts of the story will be shot in the same location. In some cases scenes of some artists will be shot together as per their conveniences. In that case a shooting schedule will be prepared to arrange the conduct of production. A shooting script is the textual representation of schedule. Final decision on the types of properties used, and the number of junior artists in a scene, etc., comes under the shooting schedule.

7.     Location hunting & Acquiring permission

Finding suitable locations for shooting is a difficult process. It is a must for outdoor shooting. Some of the locations like forests, government buildings, institutions, etc., require special permissions from the concerned authorities. These types of activities are done in this stage.

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Production Process: The Stages of Film Production

The production process refers to the stages required to complete a feature film production, from the concept to the final copy. The production process is almost the same for all type of broadcast media.

1.       Pre-Production

2.      Production

3.      Post-production

These three stages are prime elements of producing meaningful and effective films. Production process is leaded by executive producer who guides the production team. The production team chose the crew, artists, location and equipment. They make finals decisions on script and content. The production team includes assistant producers who help to make the production run smoothly.

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