The 180 Degree Rule in Film (and How to Break The Line) #180degreerule

*** At 4:15 the camera is moving in reverse - it should start on the left of the line (green) and move beyond the line to the right side (red).

The 180 degree line is a rule used in filmmaking that helps you maintain a constant orientation during your scenes. That said, there are ways you can break the 180 degree rule, and ways that you can bend the 180 degree rule.

Our video breaks down how to follow the 180 degree rule, how to break the 180 degree rule, and bend the 180 degree rule to achieve maximum effectiveness from your scene.

Breaking the 180 degree rule can also be called crossing the line or jumping the line. The line you draw connects two actors in a scene, and once you’ve established your camera placement on one side of the line, you have now decided which 180 degrees you will have to place your subsequent camera setups.

You do this so that your viewer can keep their orientation, and avoid spatial confusion.

But what if you break the line?

We show specific examples of directors and films that follow the 180 degree rule, break the 180 degree rule, and bend the 180 degree rule so that you understand perfectly the different effects each has on a viewer.

When you finish this video, you will understand why you need to follow the 180 degree rule in most situations, and know exactly when you should break it or bend it.

The end result: You will understand the 180 degree rule better than you did before - and how to command your visuals.

#180degreefilmrule #jumpingtheline #180degreefilmrule

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[poloMpolo]

the voiceover is unbelievable, so pleasing to the ear

[danieljohnson]

The breakdown of that scene in the coffee shop from Heat was amazing. I’ve seen that movie so many times, and I’ve never noticed the subtle change in tone from the shifting camera.

[kevbail]

“Is with cam-er-a, move-ment.” Why is his voice so calming lmao

[omarelwafaii]

You have to know the rules, before you can break them

[Denver]

The narrator sounds a lot like the narrator in The Stanley Parable

[christophercampbell]

I learned about this rule in college, but it was hard for me to visualize when it was explained to me. The way this video presents it makes so much more sense!

[filmtoppings]

This dude's voice sounds like he could play Alfred in a Batman movie

[chrislee]

Thank you for clarifying this confusing rule! Great video

[marvelfoxmorty]

Very great video, I would say this channel is one of the best channel ever in 'explaining film techniques'

[sanskar_vyas]

Want more of this stuff, it's just sooo good how studio binder presents information.
It feels good to learn like this. Please keep making these videos

[ispeakproduction]

I’m a Script Supervisor in Los Angeles in the unions since 1996. I track this and it always alludes people. THANK YOU FOR CALLING IT CAMERA RIGHT AND CAMERA LEFT not “screen right” and “screen left” ❤❤❤

[gyakutenryu]

This video is amazing, I have an exam tomorrow and never fully grasped this concept. Thanks to the many visual aids I was able to understand it at last! Thank you so much :D

[kbs]

I feel like I’m playing Little Big Planet :’)
Thank you for this! Very well explained.

[tdata]

I was watching Partners review on RLM BotW and they kept bringing it up. This helped.

[Achyuthkumar]

1:16 Made understanding easy through visual line
One More example: The Dark Knight interrogation scene

[fabiolaencarnacionortega]

No había comprendido bien la regla hasta que vi el video. Graciaaaas

[Luschan]

After taking film-related courses in college, any time I watch a video like this I’m acutely aware it’s probably being used by professors as part of a lecture or homework viewing.

I kinda miss those classes, I’m grateful I went to college at a time when it wasn’t 99% learning from textbooks or dry lectures. Some concepts are much better explained in formats like this.

[Albanez]

Fun fact: There are two distinct *180° Rules* in filmmaking. The other one stipulates that shutter angle should always be 180° (shutter speed should be twice the Frames per Seconds; 24 x 2 = 1/48). This rule can be broken as well, but only when you're trying to create a motivated effect; Drunken, dreamy scenes with slower shutter speed, and action, chaotic scenes with faster shutter speed.

[ronyt]

180 Degree rule is a fantastic thing in film-making. Thankyou for this.

[jinnimint]

The voice feels like it’s straight form a film it’s so good