We all live and work by set rules. When we want to watch the television, there is a certain sequence of events that we must follow in order to do so. In society, most of us learn the rules for everday living early... We keep our rooms reasonably tidy because our parents instructed us to. We don't steal because we know its against the law. When we cross the road we use the green cross code. All of these codes of conduct had to be taught to us, we had to learn them. The same goes for film. We have developed quite a sophisticated understanding of how movies work from watching television and films. Most of this knowledge is subconcious. As Film makers, we need to be more aware of how films are constructed, so that we can apply these rules and satisfy our audience. They might not know that there is a sequence to shots, but they'll know that something is wrong if you don't follow them.

We know that the good guys always win (most of the time) and the bad guys always get caught (most of the time). But do you know about the rules of film making? The rules that govern camera placement, camera movement? This section looks at those rules, and introduces you to the basic structure of the Hollywood Narrative.

In film making terms, these rules were devised in the early days of film making, and by the 1920's they were well established. To begin with, we should look at the standard shot sizes.

There are basically three different shot sizes:

This type of shot shows us where the action is taking place. This could be a large vista, like the illustration opposite. A long shot is any shot that shows a full figure (without chopping off their head or feet). The long shot helps to reduce confusion by showing us where the action is taking place. Then we can cut to a Medium shot, or a close up. Jurrasic Park. The team arrive at Isla Nubla. This is a classic example of an Establishing Shot, which sets the scene.

The medium shot takes us closer into the action. The medium shot frames the subject from above the waist, and includes the head. In this still from Jurasic park, the two characters are seen in a medium shot. (Also known as a Medium Two shot).

The close-up brings us even closer to the subject. It is often used to show detail (such as the murder weapon in reach of the killer) or draws us in to an intimate moment.
The close-up is framed at shoulder level and includes the top of the head. In another still from Jurasic Park, Sam Neil is seen on the Helicopter in close- up.

Shots also follow a general sequence. That sequence is:-

LONG SHOT(or establishing shot). To show us were the action is taking place.
MEDIUM SHOT.
To introduce us to the characters. CLOSE-UP. To bring the audience into their world, to share information, or to create empathy.

These are the rules, but who follows rules? Well, everyone starting out needs to follow the rules so that they know what they're doing. Rules are meant to broken, though, and there are plenty of examples of this in the Movies. The Golden Rule, though, is...

-Break the rules only when you know and have proved that you understand them.
-Break the rules for a reason.
-Don't confuse your audience. They've been brought up on a system that is 80 years old. People don't like change.

The Classical Hollywood Narrative is a process brought about to help structurise film using conventions to make it easier to produce films.

This section outlines some of the basic physical aspects of filmmaking though it is well to note that the classical hollywood narrative also includes narrative structure which is discussed in a seperate section.

Conventions:

Its important to be aware of plot structure, the sequencing of events which make the story. This means looking at shot sequences and continuity.

For introducing/changing scenes. i.e progression from L.shot to M. shot to close up.

For minimising impact of transitions. i.e Position matches, direction matches, movement matches, inserts.

To depict passage of time. i.e dissolves & iris effects.

To maintain realism.i.e hide mechanics of production. Continuity. Do not cross the line.

For suggesting Continuity. If actors enter from the left, they must enter from left in next shot. Props (guns, pens, cups) must be in a consistant position from shot to shot. Clothing must match unless character is seen to change (Bruce Willis T shirt changes colour in 'Die Hard').

Below are the shot types and rules that govern movement.

3 Main Shot Sizes:

Long Shot.
Medium Shot.
Close-up.

Also Sub Shot sizes:

Big Close Up.
Medium Close Up.
Medium Long Shot.

Rules to govern Movement:

Rule 1. If your characters move, you can move camera. Don't move without reason.
Rule 2. Track at the same pace as your actors.
Rule 3. Don't pan away from one group to another if neither is moving.
Rule 4. If actors arn't moving, cut away, unless movement is intrinsic to style/ atmosphere.