180 Degree Rule | EP-18 | How to Break 180 Degree Rule With Example

180 Degree Rule | EP-18 | How to Break 180 Degree Rule | Example | 180 Degree Rule Explained

Today we are going to try and understand the 180 Degree rule, this is the most basic rule but it plays a very crucial role in filmmaking. So, we will go deep into the subject to get a better knowledge about 180 Degree rule.

180 Degree Rule In Filmmaking 

The 180-degree rule is a basic guideline where the cinematographer checks left and right relationship between two or more characters. In this we draw an imaginary line and try to keep our camera on only one side of that imaginary line, the reason is very simple, the position of the characters must be established correctly and their viewing angle must be correct. Now understand it with an example. Suppose there are two characters, Person A and Person B, now we draw an imaginary line and we will try to keep our camera moving on just one side of the line. There is no specific way to write it on the script but while making the storyboard this thing can be mentioned through drawing.

Left Right Relationship With 180 Degree Rule

What if we don't follow it? Here the result , Now both of the characters are looking in the same direction which is bound to create confusion. There are a lot of times when we deliberately break this rule. Here are some of the ways for breaking this rule.

Imaginary Line In 180 Degree Rule

1. If you are taking a continuous shot and moving camera to the other side of the line. 2. Using a cutaway. 3. Or by some way, if you have established the surrounding and visual layout then it becomes easier for the editor to select the shot. Now lemme simplify this, if you don't feel any kind of jerk while looking at it and if the sequence is smooth then it means that we are on the right track. I have a reason for saying this... let's understand it with the help of this example - If a person is going to his office and is walking left to right, then on his way back he enters the frame from right and exits on left. The visuals will tell you that he is coming back from the office. Now you must be thinking that 180-degree rule is used at the time of Pre-Production or Production then why should the editor know about it? Remember as an editor you have ample amount of footage so now you must know when you are cutting the shot correctly and how you can overrule it. Now it's time to watch some good use of this tool in cinema. I hope you have learned something new and useful through this video today so like and share this video, and if you have any doubt then post it in the comment section below, I will try to reply to you. Don't forget to subscribe to this channel. #180degreerule #FilmEditing #VideoEditing

Content Edited By Amisha Pal