From the course: Cinematic Composition for Video Productions

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Over-the-shoulder shots

Over-the-shoulder shots

- The most traditional approach when shooting a dialogue scene between two or more characters is over the shoulder or OTS. To cut between one character and another, we need different angles of coverage so we place the camera directly behind the shoulder of one of the characters blocking a small part of the frame and adding additional depth. The main character would be facing the camera. The 180-degree rule, also known as the line of action, is simply a way to organize camera angles to preserve consistent screen direction and space. In practical terms, the camera should always be placed on only one side of an imaginary line created by the moving direction or sometimes looking direction of our actors. If we break this rule or we cross the line, our editor most likely will have a hard time matching shots. Here we can see how disorganized a dialogue scene can feel if the 180-degree rule is not followed. These would be more appropriate angles to cover this scene, much less confusing. The…

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