Editing

This rule ensures the subjects stay in position relative to each other, and the set around them.

The axis of action is important for the 180 rule. The camera can move 180 up to the axis of action, without disorientating the viewer.

The 180 Rule

If the camera goes over this line, the shot becomes confusing as the continuity rule is broken.

For example, if two characters were conversing whilst facing one another, and two separate shots showed them facing the same way, it would not appear to the viewer that they were facing each other.

The 180 Rule

As a subject moves, the axis of action shifts to create a new axis. This can be very complex when more than one subject moves at the same time, as the axis of action continuously changes.

The 180 Rule