180 degree Rule

What is the 180 Degree rule?

The 180-degree rule is a rule used when recording. It basically makes sure that the scene that the audience is seeing isn't too confusing.

In this scene we can see 2 characters, the 180-degree rule makes sure that the characters on screen don’t cross the “180 degree line”. The 180-degree is an imaginary line that separates the scene. The line cannot be broken unless it is shown to be broken by use of the camera. This ensures the audience doesn’t get disorientated and can follow the scene better.

In both pictures we can imagine a line that best describes the 180 degree rule. This rule helps the audience orientate themselves, as no matter what side of the scene the camera is on, the characters should always stay on the same side of the scene. If person 1 were to sit where person 2 is and visa versa the 180-degree rule will have been broken. This can only be achieved if the camera shows the audience the change.