What does Axis of Action mean?
Axis of Action refers to an imaginary line that helps filmmakers maintain spatial continuity during a scene. It is often called the 180-degree rule, which dictates that cameras should remain on one side of the axis to avoid disorienting the audience. By staying on the correct side of the axis, filmmakers ensure that the characters or objects in the scene maintain consistent screen direction, creating a logical flow for the viewer.
Example:In a conversation scene between two characters, the camera stays on one side of the axis of action, ensuring the characters are consistently shown from the same angles relative to each other.
Example: During a chase scene, the director ensures that the camera follows the axis of action to keep the viewer oriented and maintain the direction of the action.
Did you know?
Breaking the axis of action can create confusion in the audience, which is why it’s one of the fundamental rules of cinematography!
