180 DEGREE RULE

The 180 degree rule is when an imaginary line called the axis connects the characters and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene. The camera or cameras should always remain on that side of the imaginary line to keep the flow of a scene. The rule enforces continuity of the film. The rule is used in football games as a viewer could see one team aim left and then be aiming right which would confuse the viewer.

Breaking the Rule

The rule should never be broken unless for effect. Breaking the rule will confuse the viewer, especially in scenes of chase and conversation. 

Results if the 180 degree rule is broken:

§  The audience may become confused

§  The actors will be switching sides of the screen
§  Viewer loses focus and could miss parts of the film
§  Could become disorientated

Ways Around the Rule

The only way to break the 180 degree rule successfully without causing disruption to a scene and confusing the audience is to move the camera over the axis in one movement. E.g. walk from behind the object to the front and then back to the front. In this case you will be moving the audience with the camera so there is a clear understanding of what is happening.

GEMMA