180 Degree Rule
The 180 Degree rule is an important element for CONTINUITY EDITING - it orientates the audience. It's important to set the scene and establish your characters in space and time in order for the viewer to follow the action. The 180 Degree Rule states that two characters in a scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If you don't follow the 180 Degree Rule, or break it intentionally, it disrupts the scene and disorients the audience. When you break the 180 line, a person who was originally facing left in a scene is all of the sudden facing right. Wait! When did they switch places? Have a look at this demonstration video below.