The 180 rule states that in a two-person conversation scene, the characters should always be on the same side of the camera axis to avoid confusing the viewer about who is talking. When cutting between shots of the characters, their positioning should not cross the axis and switch sides of the screen, as this can make it unclear who is speaking. Following the 180 rule helps the viewer easily understand who is interacting with who in dialogue scenes.

1. The 180 Rule Jack Casey

2. You What? Basic guidline of filmmaking Two characters or element should have the same right/left relationship to each other. The reverse angle: A shot from the opposite side. After the camera moving. Crossing the line: Camera passing over the axis connecting the two subjects

3. Explaination Camera cuts from green to red arc. characters switch place on the screen

4. This can be very confusing for the viewer. When two people face each other they hould always still face that same side of the screen. Example; Soldier 1 Soldier 2

5. Soldier 1 Soldier 2 Facing the left This is the correct way, as they are looking opposite ways in each shot.

6. Soldier 1 Soldier 2 Facing the left This is the incorrect way, as they are looking the same ways in each shot. This confuses the viewer, as you cannot tell that they are having a conversation.

7. Another example.

8. Reverse shot