The line of action organizes camera angles to preserve consistent screen direction and space and organizing the shooting plan. The line is an imaginary partition going through the space in front of the camera can be anywhere the director chooses but it is usually placed along the line of sight between two subjects. With the line determined a working space of 180 degrees is established and only positions within the semi circle are permitted. Placing filming from the other side will make for a confusing and uncomfortable image.
Here is a rather crude rendition I did of a typical triangle setup. The batteries represent the cameras, the purple paper the 180 degree working space. The cameras here are set up in what is known as the triangle set up, common in T.V. Of course all kinds of angles can be obtained here, the most common being over the shoulder shots, POV (point of view) and profile shots.
There are a few ways for the camera to move from behind the line and working space though.
If one monkey were to get up and walk towards the other, turning 90 degrees in the process then a new line of sight would be developed. Although the working area is shown here to be on one side it can just as easily be on the other. What's important is that the area that the camera is placed in is adhered to once the new sight line is established.
A new sight line can also be established if a new player enters the scene.
Finally if the camera moves - i.e a pan or dolly or if there is a cutaway shot then the line can also be crossed.
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