The 180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is essentially when the camera cuts between 2 or more characters but maintains their position on the screen e.g. if there is an over the shoulder shot and the character is on the left then when the camera cuts to over the other characters shoulder the character that was on the left will still be on the left. The general idea is that there is a theoretical line down the middle of the scene and the camera will stay on one side of this “theoretical line” throughout the entire scene. This technique maintains the flow during the scene for the viewer and helps to preventany possible confusion for the viewer.

 

This is a perfect example of the 180 degree rule as the characters maintain on the same side as the camera is staying on one side of this theoretical line this means that the viewer can focus on what the characters are saying rather than being confused about the characters change in position.