Grammar of the Shot, 2nd Edition

Glossary

Grammar of the Shot

180 Degree Line—The imaginary line established by the sight lines of talent within a shot that determines where the 180 degree arc of safe shooting is set up for the camera coverage of that scene. The camera should not be moved to the opposite side of this action line because it will cause a reversal in the established screen direction. See also 180 Degree Rule, Axis of Action, Sight Line.

180 Degree Rule—In filmmaking, an imaginary 180 degree arc, or half circle, is established on one side of the shooting set once the camera first records an angle on the action in that space. All subsequent shots must be made from within that same semicircle. Since screen direction, left and right, for the entire scene is established, ...