How to Write AI Video 180-Degree Rule Prompts

Provide a two-character reference and an empty location reference to create an AI video dialogue scene with stable left-right positions, complementary eyelines, and readable shot-reverse-shot coverage. This AVT-006 experiment places an investigator and an accountant across a small table in an old café, then moves from a two-shot into matching over-the-shoulder close-ups.

The dramatic action is minimal. The technique is spatial. Viewers need to understand that the investigator remains on one side of the table, the accountant remains on the other, and both close-ups belong to the same conversation.

What the 180-degree rule controls

Imagine a relationship line running between the two characters. Keeping every camera position on one side of that line preserves their screen directions. In this scene:

• the investigator stays on frame left and looks right;
• the accountant stays on frame right and looks left;
• the café table and chairs retain their positions;
• each foreground shoulder appears on the side associated with its character.

These anchors allow the camera to cut closer while the audience retains a mental map of the room.

The broad dialogue prompt

The control version describes the coverage in general terms:

Two people sit across a café table. Begin with a two-shot, then cut to an over-the-shoulder close-up of each person. They exchange looks and maintain a natural spatial relationship.

This defines the scene and shot types. The camera still has freedom to choose which side of the relationship line it uses, where each shoulder enters the frame, and which direction each character faces.

The axis-controlled prompt

The technique version assigns the camera, characters, and eyelines before describing the cuts:

Establish a relationship line between Character A and Character B. Keep every camera position on the bar side of that line. From 0–2 seconds, use a medium two-shot: A remains on frame left looking right, and B remains on frame right looking left. From 2–5 seconds, film B from behind A’s left shoulder; A occupies a small area of the left foreground, while B stays on the right and looks left. From 5–8 seconds, film A from behind B’s right shoulder; B occupies a small area of the right foreground, while A stays on the left and looks right. Preserve complementary screen direction, table position, and chair position through every cut.

The prompt creates a consistent visual equation. Left and right refer to the finished frame, while shoulder choice tells the camera where to stand.

Build the scene in three shots

1. Establish the geography

The opening two-shot introduces both people, the table, and the direction of their attention. It is the spatial reference for every closer angle that follows.

Keep the composition simple. The investigator belongs to frame left, and the accountant belongs to frame right. Their gazes point inward across the table.

2. Cover Character B

Move behind the investigator’s left shoulder while staying on the chosen side of the axis. Her shoulder becomes a small foreground element on the left. The accountant remains the subject on the right and looks back toward frame left.

The foreground shoulder connects the close-up to the shared table space. Keeping it small protects the subject’s face and expression.

3. Cover Character A

Use the matching position behind the accountant’s right shoulder. His shoulder occupies the right foreground, while the investigator stays on the left and looks right.

The two close-ups now face one another across the edit. Their eyelines remain complementary because the camera stayed within the same half of the room.

Separate character identity from screen position

A two-character reference should make both people easy to distinguish through face, hair, silhouette, and clothing. The prompt then assigns a stable label to each person.

Character A: short-haired female investigator in a gray suit.
Character B: male accountant with glasses and a brown knit sweater.

Use those labels consistently. Add the screen position and gaze direction each time the composition changes. This reduces ambiguity when both people share the frame.

A reusable shot-reverse-shot template

[Duration] two-person dialogue scene in [location].

Spatial rule:
Establish the relationship line between Character A and Character B. Keep all camera positions on the [landmark] side of the line.

[Opening time] two-shot:
A stays on frame left looking right. B stays on frame right looking left. Show the shared table and stable seating positions.

[Middle time] over A’s [left/right] shoulder toward B:
A occupies a small part of the [left/right] foreground. B remains on the opposite side as the clear subject and looks toward A.

[Ending time] over B’s [left/right] shoulder toward A:
B occupies a small part of the opposite foreground. A remains the clear subject and preserves the complementary eyeline.

Maintain identity, wardrobe, screen direction, table position, chair position, lens feel, and lighting across the cuts.

Where this method helps

A narrative creator can use it for interviews, interrogations, dates, negotiations, and confrontations. A product team can stage a consultation across a desk while preserving who presents and who reacts. An educational creator can film a teacher and learner with consistent eyelines. A social storyteller can cut between two reactions without losing the viewer’s sense of direction.

Choose a reference that shows both characters separately and clearly. Use an empty environment with a visible spatial landmark, such as a bar, window, counter, or wall, to name the camera side of the axis.

Frequently asked questions

Why name a landmark when defining the axis?

A landmark turns an abstract side of the line into a concrete camera zone that can be repeated throughout the prompt.

Which shot should come first?

Begin with a two-shot that clearly establishes seating, left-right placement, and gaze direction before cutting closer.

How large should the foreground shoulder be?

Use it as a small spatial cue. The speaking or reacting character should remain the clear visual subject.

Can the characters move during the conversation?

Yes. Update the relationship line and screen-position record whenever blocking changes, then keep subsequent cameras on the newly defined side.

Click the template card on this page, enter the experience page, and try the AI video 180-degree rule prompt workflow with your own two-character dialogue scene.