The 180 Degree Rule Explanation  

 

The 180 degree rule when talking about film is the reference to the imaginary line created when two people are in a scene having a conversation or looking at each other. this rule was created so people watching a film would not be confused when two people are facing each other. The 180 degree rule is the line in which once the camera has picked a side it may not cross over to the opposite side without an establishing shot to show the camera has moved to the other side of the characters. Once the camera has picked a side of the characters, it may move anywhere within the 180 degree move space, it may also use any camera angle or view within the 180 degree rule space. If the camera wants to move to the other side of the characters the camera must first establish the movement by either a swish to the other side of the characters or an establishing shot to establish the characters standing where they are once again.