In this instance, the traditional line would be east/west... i.e., an invisible line connecting the two subjects and extending to infinity in each direction. It doesn't matter that the actors are both facing north, the line is still drawn between them, which would make it east/west and parallel to the bench, not perpendicular to it.
Traditional directing theory would then dictate that you should keep all camera positions on one side of the line, which would basically be a position in front of or behind the bench... and not "crossing the line" unless you physically do a camera move that accomplishes that, or come up with some other device or cutaway to let you cross it.
BUT...
Rules are made to be broken, and I can see how you might be able to establish a north/south line (perpendicular to the bench) and still make it work... you would have to have much more careful blocking though.
It's all just theory, ya know...
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
