** Yes, I'm aware that none of the images show up. When we switched servers, we lost some stuff, and I didn't have those backed up. I swear I'll eventually get those replaced with new ones. Sorry about that. Ignore this until then (though you might be able to figure it out just in the words.**
This is something that a lot of indie filmmakers (and artists) miss and it causes some problems, confusion, and an unprofessional look to your movie.
What's the 180 Degree Rule?
The 180 rule is set up to keep things consistent. It's REALLY helpful in any kind of chaotic action scene so you can tell what's going on (see Gladiator), but should be used for all types of scenes and just a good rule of thumb to keep things consistent.
Basically, you draw an imaginary line between two characters and keep the camera on one side of them throughout the entire scene. It's generally good to keep the main character on the left side of the screen and the secondary character on the right.
You can move the shot as high up or down anywhere on the chosen side of the characters, but just don't cross without first showing a
Nuetral Shot.
What's a Nuetral Shot?
A nuetral shot is a straight on, centered shot used to transition from one side of the 180 Degree line to the other without jarring the eye.
Now, of course, rules can be broken. In fact, it was broken quite well in the Hulk movie. John Woo used a method that is used a lot in foreign films and indie films where you stay on the same character, cross to the other side of the 180 degree line (usually going in closer), cut to the other character, cross back to the original side of the 180 degree line (usually going in closer). Check it out. Kinda cool.