Cinestudy - THE 180 DEGREE RULE

An instructional video on the very basics of film/video editing, This video, and a whole series of video like this are now a part of CINESTUDY, this one focusing on the 180 degree rule, aka "The Line" on orienting the viewer.

We're teaching the basics of filmmaking and also providing interactive projects to learn on your own!

[IoniaPalmer]

very helpful, some of the other videos were very confusing but this one was clear, and also explain ways of crossing the line without confusing the viewer, so yeah thanks a bunch

[Secoutal]

This is a really great video, it clearly illustrates the problem and the solution, thanks!

[spoddie]

You are a great teacher. You've explained this very well in less than 2 minutes.

[TylerMurray]

Great stuff! Fast and on point. Thank you

[sonnyboo]

@UnbornChild Yes. It's not about the number of people, it's about presenting the subject (person or thing) in the camera so the spatial relations make sense to the audience.

[KarlBunker]

Like most "rules" (whether you use that word for it or not), this is one of those that you should learn so that if and when you break it, you do so deliberately for a desired effect. My favorite, wicked-obscure example of this rule being deliberately broken is in "Ramparts of Clay". It beautifully gives the viewer a sense of the protagonist's inner turmoil as her face remains expressionless.

[sonnyboo]

@BitzCinema using a TRIPOD and the 180 degree rule are radically different things. One is a physical object used to steady a camera, the other is a concept, one that is clearly something that is a voluntary use, not an absolute.

[maorilebbraz]

thank you so much for that
i have a test tommorrow and that was the one thing that i couldn't understand
now all the other terminology makes sense!

[FomBBKs]

Useful video. Most of it would seem common sense, but I found it helpful too. Keep the tips coming! :D

[wolfangdigital]

Universal rule, but thanks for sharing and making a clear statement about it. The books don't illustrate this rule as clear as your video.

[neonknights]

Godard and all those New Wave filmmakers broke the rule ALL the time, probably because they didn't learn it in the first place (they never attended film school). And this revolutionized the style of filmmaking! :-)

Although in the US and in commercial filmmaking you should follow the rule if you don't want to be laughed at. And it is a useful guide to filmmaking and continuity.

[sonnyboo]

@BitzCinema You just said to throw out the 180 degree rule in favor of using a tripod. That makes no sense. I guess I should have asked what your point was since it was not made clear.

[Majic]

Great informational videos Sonny. I would have added that the movement of one of the actors into new space can establish a new line. Also, a new actor entering the scene will establish a new line with the person he interacts with.

[mackychloe]

For a beginner like me this was a good tip. Thanks.

[andrewwebb]

Thanks for making this so clear, many thanks.

[sonnyboo]

Actually the French New Wave guys were all published film critics. They were very aware of the line and broke it intentionally.

All they really did was throw out the rules... but made new ones. There are still rules and continuity within the French New Wave styles.

[peacepearlkashmir]

i was not able to understand the 180 degree rule.now i can say confidently what the rule is alabout....sure.thanks for posting
for few more related posts

[mootmuse]

By the "eyelines don't match" thing, he means that the direction they seem to be looking in don't seem to match one another.

The viewer knows they're having a conversation, but at first glance it looks like each person is in their own little world.

I may be overexplaining, though... Did that help at all?

[sonnyboo]

Glad you liked it. It's "Sonnyboo", not like the Sun.

[Beckmen]

Sideways crosses the line in-camera in almost the exact same way.

The imaginary line thing seems like a useful thing to remember. I end up breaking the rule on accident ALL the time, I will have to remember the imaginary line in the future. And also work out a shot-list instead of winging it all the time, heh.