30 Degree Rule In Filmmaking: A Beginners Guide


For many years, the “30-degree rule” has been an essential part of filmmaking. 30 degree rule in filmmaking states that viewing camera angle should be between 30 degrees and the filmmaker’s eye line. This gives the audience a sense of intimacy with the characters and allows for a more fluid visual storytelling.

Not to mention, it’s essentially insurance against camera movement that ruins continuity and immersion for viewers. So, how does 30 degree rule in filmmaking work? Is there any benefit to using it? And, what are the reasons behind using 30 degree rule in filmmaking? All of these answers will be discussed throughout the blog. Stay tuned.

What Is The 30 Degree Rule in Filmmaking?

The 30-degree rule is a basic filming guideline that helps protect the crew and set from camera glare. Its often referred to as the rule of thirds, and it helps filmmakers divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically. This rule helps to create a pleasing composition and avoid affecting the shot or hurting people on set. Always remember – safety first! Follow this rule and you’ll be sure to achieve the desired results without any problems.

How Does The 30 Degree Rule In Filmmaking Work?

When shooting a scene in which two characters are facing each other, the on camera talent should be positioned at least 30 degrees from their subject.

This allows for them to create an effective psychological barrier between the actors and helps to prevent confusion or conflict during filming. If there is any deviation from this rule, it can result in re-shoots or even early dismissal of scenes altogether.

This guideline is often referred to as “the thirty degree rule” and has been used successfully by filmmakers for years. It is important to keep in mind that this guideline cannot be applied blindly; rather, it needs to be tailored based on the specific scene being filmed and its unique context.

Reasons To Follow 30 Degree Rule In Filmmaking

Camera shake can be a major issue when filming, especially with shaky hands. To avoid this, follow the 30 degree rule. Besides, there are many reasons to follow the 30 degree rule in filmmaking. Here are four of the most important:

  • To keep your footage looking good throughout the film editing process. By following this rule, you will avoid imbalances in light and dark areas that can cause shadows and distortion in your footage. This will ultimately improve the quality of your final product.
  • To prevent camera shake during long exposures or when filming with a Steadicam or drone. If you’re not using these techniques properly, they can result in blurry and jittery footage that is difficult to edit smoothly together. Following the 30-degree rule will minimize these issues significantly.
  • To create aesthetically pleasing shots for your video projects by eliminating unwanted elements such as sunlight hitting a window or harsh directional lighting fixtures nearby.
  • You’ll be able to achieve more consistent results by positioning yourself appropriately before taking any photographs or filming scenes.
  • Additionally, to reduce glare and make your video look more professional, follow the 30 degree rule when filming.
  • And lastly, keeping things simple means less time spent trying to perfect an image that may not look great in the end anyway.

Read more: Does A Film Treatment Include Dialogue?

FAQs On 30 Degree Rule In Filmmaking

Here are some common questions about 30 degree rule in filmmaking. People frequently want to know about these questions. Take a glance at the brief answers to learn more within a short time.

How do I use the 30-degree rule?

The 30-degree rule is used to determine if two angles are equal. The rule states that the two angles are equal if they are both 30 degrees.

Why is the 30-degree rule important?

The 30-degrees rule is important because it can help prevent frostbite.

What is the 180-degree rule in film?

In film, the 180 degree rule is the rule that states that for every 180 degrees of rotation on a film camera, the film should be developed and re-shot. This rule is to prevent camera shake from affecting the accuracy of the images on the film.

What is the 3 color rule in film?

The three color rule in film is the principle that a film should be shot on film with a minimum of three colors- black, white, and gray- to produce a “correct” image.

What is the difference between using a 16mm and 35mm camera for filming?

A 35mm film camera is used to film movies, while a 16mm film camera is used for filming clips and stills.

What are some exceptions to the 30 degree rule?

There are some exceptions to the 30 degree rule. For example, in cold climates, it may be necessary to keep a home at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid health problems such as the flu.

What are some common cinematography rules that I must follow as a new cinematographer?

There are many common cinematography rules that new cinematographers must follow, but they vary depending on the film genre.

For instance, in action films, new cinematographers must adhere to rule of thirds framing, while in family-friendly films, they may be more lenient with rule of thirds.

Additionally, new cinematographers often learn the basic film editing, camera movement, basic knowledge about jump cut, axial cut, and different shot a film project.

Should I finish high school to pursue filmmaking?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best path for pursuing filmmaking depends on your individual goals and interests.

However, some important sources of information include the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) website and the American Film Institute (AFI) website. Both organizations offer information on how to pursue a film career, as well as resources such as scholarships, grants, and jobs.

Summary Of 30 Degree Rule In Filmmaking

If you’re a filmmaker, you know the importance of following the 30 degree rule. This rule provides a basic guideline for the film camera and helps to create shots that are comfortable for the actors and viewers.

Hopefully, you found this blog post informative about 30 degree rule in filmmaking. So, don’t wait any longer and start following the 30 degree rule in your filmmaking today!

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