The 180 degree rule is very important to reduce viewer confusion and to increase flow/continuity. The basic principle is having an invisible line between the actors, which the camera cannot cross when filming. The reason behind this is to ensure that the actors are always facing the direction they started in, and they also stay on the same side. The image portrays this. Keeping the cameras on one side of the actors is imperative because the viewer has to understand where everything is in the scene. This rule does not restrict the uses of different camera angles and or shot sizes, these are unaffected.
Here is an example of an 180 degree rule being used:
The 180 degree rule is arguably the most important and synergizes with the other continuity editing rules. Keeping to the 180 degree rule could possibly be the most significant part of our filming process. If the viewer becomes confused and has lost track of what is going on in the scene, it is inevitable that concentration will be lost.
Good post. L4
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