Filmmaking terms and techniques

• The 180° rule

The 180° rule is a filmmaking technique that says two characters in a scene should stay on the same side of the invisible line known as the line of action. If this rule is broken it could be confusing for the audience as it looks like the two characters having a conversation are looking the same way and not at each other.

Example (shown in the conversations)

• Match on action

Match on action is when two different shots of the same scene are filmed and are edited together where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action.

Example

• Jumpcut

This is a transition that makes it seem as if the subject has jumped from one point in the other, it isn't a smooth cut, it's rather abrupt. This is usually used when the director wants to show the audience time has passed.

Example

• Tracking shot

This is a shot in which the camera is mounted on a camera dolly that is then placed on rails. This is usually used to follow a subject that would otherwise leave the frame, so the camera is tracking them.

Example