Filming rules

180-degree rule

In filmmaking, the 180-degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene. An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character will always be frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first. If the camera passes over the axis, it is called crossing the line or jumping the line.

Tripod 

Set up

Make sure that the feet of the tripod are pressed into the ground so that the tripod is stable and that the head of the tripod is at the level and correct height. Adjust the spreaders on the legs if your tripod has them. Make sure to lock and tighten all the knobs and locks on your tripod before attaching your camera to the head. If your tripod has a center pole, then adjust this height next before attaching your camera.
Finally, attach your camera to the head of the tripod; this should require a plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. Finally, you can use the pan/tilt handle of the tripod to adjust the angle of the camera up, down, right or left. Usually this adjustment is done with the right hand while the left hand adjusts the camera and you find your shot.

The rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into into nine imaginary sections, as illustrated on the right. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image.