. Filmmaking: Line of Action How to maintain the illusion of space 180 degree rule The line of action, also called the “180 degree rule”, is an imaginary line established by the filmmaker that divides a scene in half to help them know the limitations of their camera placement. This is one of the most basic filmmaking rules and also one of the most important. The line of action is important because it helps maintain the consistency of direction and space. Without the line of action the audience would be left confused about character direction and special attributes. This imaginary line is usually drawn between the eyesight of two characters, but you are more then welcome to use your imagination when creating your line of action. Look at the following line of action in the basic scene below. In this example, the line is established for the DOP (Director of Photography). i.e. the camera cannot pass if he / she wishes to maintain the sense of proper object placement. In order to understand the line of action very well, you must watch the short video we’ve created to help show what happens when you don’t keep your camera on the same side of the line of action.   Continue Below... Film Continuity & Shot Flow Line of Action Moving Across the Line of Action 5 Basic Camera Set Ups Angular Singles Master Two Shot OTS Shots (Over the Shoulder) POV Singles Profile Shots       .

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