Video Production Model

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Lesson Plan Industry Sector
Arts, Media & Entertainment

Lesson Plan Originally Created By: Jeff Schmidt

The 180 Degree Rule (dialogue technique)

Part of Unit: Basic Camera Operation & Shot Composition

Lesson Plan Overview / Details

This lesson teaches students the concept of the 180 Degree Rule of composition.  This rule best applies when filming a two-shot, or two-person dialogue scene.  Students will write a short two-person dialogue script and then storyboard at least three different camera angles showing proper use and understanding of the 180 Rule.  Students will produce a short video showing a dialogue sequence utilizing the proper use of this important composition rule.

Lesson Time

Lesson & Project
2 - 3 Class Periods

Standards

California Career and Technical Education Standards

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

English Language Development Standards

Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)

Common Core Standards (Reinforced)

Objectives and Goals

If you're shooting a short film or interview, it's important to set the scene and establish your characters in space and time in order for the viewer to follow the action. One of the most basic continuity rules is the 180 Degree Rule. Students will demonstrate the mastery of this important rule by producing a short dialogue video.

Activities in this Lesson

  • Don't Cross The Line! - Hooks / Set

    To introduce the subject to your students, play the videos included here.  There are three short, videos that explain the 180 rule pretty well.

    • The FIlm Lab 180 Degree Rule

    • Movie Making Techniques 180 Degree Rule

    • Videomaker- 180 Degree Rule

  • 180 Rule Demonstration - Demo / Modeling

    Before we begin this section of the lesson, place the students into groups of four.  These will be the production groups for the video assignment.  Hand out the document titled, "Don't Cross The Line! to each student.

    TEACHER* Ask the students to read the hand out, as you bring out a camera on a tripod.

    Now, you need one of the groups to volunteer (or choose one group) for the technique demonstration.

    Ask the class to refer to the handout as the demonstration takes place.

    (I have included a Power Point presentation I use when I demonstrate this technique. I control the PPT, and have the student group move the camera around in various locations - following the 180 degree rule.)

    PROCEDURE:  Have two students stand or sit and pretend to engage in a conversation.

    Ask the other two students to handle the camera and tripod.

    STEP 1:  Ask the students the following question: "remember in math class, geometry to be specific - how many degrees are there in a circle? or How many degrees make up a complete circle?"   ANSWER: 360 degrees.

    OK, imagine a circle around the subjects of this scene....  where is the action line, or the 180 degree line?   Make sure to point out the line.  (you could use string to emphasize this line)

    Now simply follow along to place the camera along different angles - all on the same side of the 180 degree line as indicated from the videos and handout.

    • Don't Cross The Line HANDOUT [ Download ]
    • 180 Degree Rule Power DEMO [ Download ] Project this presentation during the demonstration
  • The 180 Degree Rule Assignment Introduction - Demo / Modeling

    Show the three student video examples of the 180 Degree Rule assignment, and ask your students which one they liked best and why.  This is a great time, to have an open discussion and reinforce the concepts of this lesson.  (These three videos are from students of different levels of ability and experience.)

    Go over the Assignment handout and give each student the Video Rubric.

    *Make sure to provide deadlines for each group to finish the script, the storyboard, rehearsal, production, and finally the editing and turning-in of the video.

     

Assessment

Assessment Types:
Rubrics, Projects, Writing Samples, Demonstrations, Observations,

Students are observed working in groups as formative assessment, 

Student groups produce a video demonstrating mastery of the content of this lesson.