W hat is screen direction in film? Why is it important? And how can it be used creatively? We’ll be answering all of these questions and providing you with everything you need to know about screen direction. We’ll get started with a comprehensive definition, then drill down deeper into the various techniques and applications associated with screen direction for film.
Not to be confused with camera movement or blocking, screen direction is a key component of both the continuity of motion and visual storytelling.
If you encounter any unfamiliar terms, our ultimate guide to filmmaking terminology is a great resource for looking them up.
Screen direction, also known as camera direction, is the direction that characters and objects move in the scene in relation to the frame. In describing screen direction, you might say that a character is moving camera left vs camera right. Screen left and camera left mean the same thing in the context of screen direction. Maintaining a cohesive sense of direction is important to the clarity of a scene and for preserving the continuity of motion.
Unless every character and object on screen remains motionless, screen direction will always be present. It isn’t a matter of having camera direction, it’s a matter of ensuring consistent continuity of motion.
There are simple, technical ways to use this technique and there are more creative uses as well. Let’s start with the technical.
The following video lesson covers the basics of screen direction.
At its most utilitarian, camera direction is used to provide and maintain visual clarity. Poorly utilized direction can lead to confusion in the viewer. If two characters are speaking to each other from across a table, but each actor is filmed looking toward screen left, then the edited scene will not appear to show two people conversing naturally.
Proper camera direction also provides continuity of motion. If a character is walking from camera left to right in one shot, then from right to left in the very next shot within a scene in the same location, the result is jarring and confusing to the viewer.
Camera left and right should remain consistent within a scene, unless the intent is to confuse or disorient. You can avoid any and all confusion arising from camera direction by following the 180 degree rule.
The 180 degree rule is a guide for maintaining screen direction throughout a scene. The rule supposes that an imaginary line is drawn through the middle of a scene, and the camera only shoots from one side of this line, never crossing over to the other side. This line is also known as the axis of action.
This ensures that the subject on the right side of the frame cannot inexplicably jump to the left and vice versa. Refer to our breakdown of the 180 degree rule for more information.