Who Is Credited with Developing the 180 Degree Rule?

In filmmaking and cinematography, the 180 degree rule is one of the basic guidelines used in the development of spatial relationships within the character. And another character or object within a scene. The 180 degree rule is incredibly important to filmmaking. And is used in almost every film that is produced. Either knowingly or unknowingly. But who is credited with developing the 180 degree rule and why?

Who Created the 180° Rule?

The 180° rule dates back historically as some put it to “the days of yore”. Thus, it’s hard to state who coined it or where it actually originated from. The term has been used for virtually the entire duration of filmmaking.

And has been employed since early twentieth century filmmaking. When cinema was brand new, audiences were very easily overburdened and confused by the language of film. Thus, the term 180 degree rule was hardly used.

Because to do so would have just confused the hell out of those creating the footage. But the rule was still employed in many ways and cases. 

Times have changed. Today’s audiences and filmmakers alike are burdened by more terminology than ever before when it comes to filmmaking and production. The 180 degree rule is one of many different film terms that are used regularly. 

What is the 180 Degree Rule?

This rule represents a basic guideline. That represents an invisible line between the character and another character. Or object located within the scene. The idea is that by keeping the camera always on one side of the invisible line between the two characters.

Such that the first character is always to the right frame of the second character. There will be consistency in the film pattern and audiences will not be confused.

The use of the 180 degree rule in film allows for two characters to be imagined as separated by a line. The line is where the camera will always remain to one side of or the other.

In doing so, even when shifting around and capturing other views. There is an understanding that the character’s are always oriented appropriately.

Breaking the 180 Degree Rule

Much of what is taught about the 180 degree rule goes on to be focused on breaking the rules. Breaking the 180° rule in film can have a variety of outcomes. Most notably a sense of disorientation between the characters and the audience or their dialogue.

Breaking the 180 degree rule is a common filmmaking technique. That is used to show character confusion, psychosis, or similar disorientation among characters within a scene.

So, who is credited with developing the 180 degree rule? The rule dates back rather significantly. And is said by many film directors to have been around just as long as filmmaking itself.