180 Degree Rule:

180 Degree Rule:

The Rule:

The rule states that the camera should stay on the same side as the imaginary line. The imaginary line is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint. The rule should never be broken but it may be broken for effect. If you break the rule the audience will become confused. The audience will get very confused if the film has a chase scene or a fast sports scene. In my diagram you can see what each shot should look like. There is also a shot which is shot from the other side of the line. This is what would happen if the 180 degree rule was broken. The blue character is on the wrong side. This would confuse the viewer as suddenly the character has moved sides. 

Ways around the rule: 

• The only way to cross the line without confusing the audience is to move the camera. 

• Once you have crossed the line you cannot move back. You can move back if you show the movement of the camera.