The 180-Degree Rule

The 180-degree rule is a filming guideline in which an imaginary line, known as the axis, connects two characters or objects, filming only takes place within this 180-degree arc. This maintains the spatial relationship between the characters, character one, for example, will always be to the left of character two. Placing the camera on the opposite side of the line, known as crossing the line, could disorientate the audience as the characters would appear to have swapped positions.