21/02/12

 The 180 Degree Rule

This is a link to a YouTube clip that clearly explains the 180 degree rule.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nljErrYRQ8E


When making a film, the 180° rule is a basic guideline that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.


A rule which maintains that the line of action should not be crossed, in the interests of fluid continuity. It therefore precludes a difference greater than 180 degrees between camera angles in consecutive shots.


An example of the 180 degree rule is in a car chase scene, if the car is travelling from left to right then the next shot must also be from the same side, meaning that the car has to enter the frame from left to right again.