180 rule

What is the 180 degree rule?

The 180 degree rule is a filmmaking guideline for spatial relations between two characters on screen. The 180 rule sets an imaginary axis, or eye line, between two characters or between a character and an object. By keeping the camera on one side of this imaginary axis, the characters maintain the same left/right relationship to each other, keeping the space of the scene orderly and easy to follow.

When the camera jumps over the invisible axis, this is known as crossing the line or breaking the line, and it can produce a disorienting and distracting effect on a viewer.

What does the 180 degree rule do?

• Following the rule will establish orientation.
• Breaking the rule will disorient and signal unease.
• Bending the rule signals a gradual change in your scene.

How to follow the 180 degree rule

The rule states that once you’ve established your line, you must then decide which side of the line you will place each subsequent camera setup.

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In short, you need to keep your camera on the same side of “The Line.”

Otherwise, you’ve crossed the line.

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