the 180 degrees rule

This is the 180 degrees rule

In professional filming the 180 Degree Rule applies while filming (with a digital video camera) two characters (for example having a conversation) where there is an imaginary axis. The camera stays within 180 degrees on one side of the axis. If the camera goes around to the other side of the axis the characters right/left will change (which can be quite confusing) it is called crossing the line. The shot from the opposite side, is called a reverse angle.

the characters should always remain on the same side , which is why we stay 180 degrees within the axis. The 180 Degree Rule is often used in conversations where Shot Reverse Shot is required and it is an important element required for a style of film editing called continuity editing. This way in dialogue you can always identify who is speaking or responding using their facial expressions.

if the 180 rule is not followed then in a circumstances where the characters are talking they can be on the wrong side and this therefore losses its continuity .

we abide by this rule through our prelim task as in most of it we use shot reverse shot and it is really easy to make the mistake this is apparent in the prison scene .