30 Degree Rule in Filmmaking
Created on : December 22, 2023 12:23
Denotation
The 30-DEGREE RULE states that if an editor cuts to the same character or object in another shot, the second shot must be positioned at least 30 degrees away from the first camera setup. If the camera moves less than 30 degrees, the cut between shots can look like a JUMP CUT or a mistake.
Description
The 30-degree rule is a fundamental principle of cinema editing that stipulates that while taking consecutive shots of the same topic, the camera must travel at least 30 degrees in relation to the subject. A jump cut-like transition between shots might startle and disengage the viewers if the camera travels less than thirty degrees. Instead of the story itself, the audience may concentrate on the film's technical aspects.
A thirty-degree angle shift creates enough difference between two consecutive images to avoid seeming like a jump cut. To adhere to the 180-degree rule, however, camera movement should remain to one side of the subject.
The 30-degree rule is also known as the "20 mm/30 degree rule" because a same concept holds true when adjusting the focal length of the lens. A change of less than 20 mm while maintaining the same angle of view produces a comparable impression. The axial cut is essentially a specific kind of jump cut since it deviates from the 30-degree guideline, but it has gained significance in traditional continuity because it adheres to the 20mm norm.
Importance of 30 Degree Rule
Editors and Cinematographers should both be aware of the 30-degree rule because without adequate covering for the DP, the editor cannot do their duties. The 30-degree rule primarily helps to maintain a clear difference between each of your cuts and to make the action flow more naturally.
Using too many angles at the same focal length will result in superfluous photos and over-coverage. Similarly, avoid going too far when switching focal lengths since this might come off as too dramatic and pull the viewer out of the narrative. If you want to employ these more dramatic transitions, cutting on the action which is when you cut in the middle of an action and seamlessly finish it in the following shot can help make things go more smoothly.