1. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule
What about if I cut between these two shots?
Where might these characters be in relation to each other?
Where are they sitting?
Violation of the 180 Degree Rule

2. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule
180 Degree Rule

3. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
Between any two characters in a scene, there is an invisible line connecting them.
This line is called the 180 Degree Line
This line is also called the Eyeline.
I have had many arguments with directors about Eyelines,
and I have won every one.
Eyelines are also where the person is looking in relation to the camera.

4. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
Once you start filming on one side of that line, you may not cross it.
Why?!?!?

5. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
Once you start filming on one side of that line, you may not cross it.
Why?!?!?

6. Third Rule of Cinematography
So, we have a scene set up between Osiris and Salama.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.

7. Third Rule of Cinematography
So, we have a scene set up between Osiris and Salama.
If we were shooting on THIS side of them, think of what those shots would look like.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.

8. Third Rule of Cinematography
So, we have a scene set up between Osiris and Salama.
If we were shooting on THIS side of them, think of what those shots would look like.
Place the shots in the boxes below, and place cameras above the shots.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.
Let’s see if
you’re right…

9. Third Rule of Cinematography
Yes! Camera 1 is over Osiris’ right shoulder on Salama.
Camera 4 is over Salama’s left shoulder on Osiris.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer. R L
Cam 1
Cam 4

10. Third Rule of Cinematography
Yes! Camera 1 is over Osiris’ right shoulder on Salama.
Camera 4 is over Salama’s left shoulder on Osiris.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.
Watch this video with commentary.
Harakiri (1962) directed by Masaki Kobayashi

11. Third Rule of Cinematography
What if you DID take a shot from the “wrong side?” What would it look like then? (Make cam 4 the “wrong camera.”)
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.
Let’s see if
you’re right…

12. Third Rule of Cinematography
This is what it would look like.
Imagine cutting between these two shots…
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.
Why can you not do this? Because the VIEWER cannot!
Let’s see what the viewer would be doing.

13. Third Rule of Cinematography
Where is camera 4 for its shot? On the other side!
Can a viewer jump from side to side instantaneously during dialogue? NO!!
So the camera may not.
The 180 Degree Rule
Remember—the camera represents a viewer.
Why can you not do this? Because the VIEWER cannot!
Let’s see what the viewer would be doing.

14. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule ?
What about if I cut between these two shots?
Where might these characters be in relation to each other?

15. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule
So, do you get it? Need to see the Violating the 180 Degree Rule video again?

16. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
Remember, we said once you start filming on one side of that line, you may not cross it…
…Until you need to!
But……..how?

17. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
There are three ways to cross the 180 Degree Line:
Carry the viewer
Cut away to a neutral object
Move the subjects/characters

18. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
There are three ways to cross the 180 Degree Line:
Carry the viewer
Cut away to a neutral object
Move the subjects/characters
Carry the viewer
While the camera is rolling, you cross
BEHIND A SUBJECT.
You use the whole shot in the film (show
the camera going behind the subject—
you see the back of their head in the movie).
Once you’ve crossed the line, stay on that side.

19. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
There are three ways to cross the 180 Degree Line:
Carry the viewer
Cut away to a neutral object
Move the subjects/characters
Watch this video containing examples of
Crossing the 180 Degree Line—Carrying the viewer, specifically.

20. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
There are three ways to cross the 180 Degree Line:
Carry the viewer
Cut away to a neutral object
Move the subjects/characters
Cut away to a neutral object
While on one side of the Line, cut away to a
neutral subject.
This allows you to cross the line if necessary.
Watch this video containing examples of
Crossing the 180 Degree Line by cutting to a neutral object
(they do not cross the line, but it’s a good example of
cutting to a neutral object.)
“Harakiri” (1962) directed by Masaki Kobayashi

21. Third Rule of Cinematography
The 180 Degree Rule states:
There are three ways to cross the 180 Degree Line:
Carry the viewer
Cut away to a neutral object
Move the subjects/characters
Move the subjects/characters
Moving the characters within the scene
is the equivalent of crossing the line.
The characters end up on opposite sides
of the line.
Watch “Lyla’s Problem” scene from “Murder One.”

22. Crossing the 180 Degree Line in “The Hulk”
Hard cuts crossing the 180 Degree Line.
Based on who is in power for EACH LINE.
“The Hulk”