180 Degree Rule

180 Degree Rule Definition and Example

The 180 Degree Rule states that two characters in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. The line is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene. An example of this rule being used is that in a car chase scene, if the car is travelling from right to left, the next shot must also be shot from the same side, meaning the car has to enter the frame right to left again. This is also applied for football matches. If the characters don't follow the 180 Degree Rule, or break it intentionally, will confuse the audience, especially in scenes of chase, conversation or sport, the camera must always be on one side of the line.

This video clip is shown from Lord of The Rings and this is a good example of a 180 Degree Rule as this rule is being used in the clip. We know this because when Gollum is speaking, there is a good side of him and bad side of him and it makes the audience think that Gollum is talking the bad side of him which is very good and clever.