There are 2 great ways to grow a hedge.  You can simply line up a series of plants in a row or you can used the  double/triple staggered row layout.  The choice depends on the hedge plant and its growth rate, the purpose of the hedge,  the environmental factors and the space you have to work with.  The space you have to work with is probably the most defining factor as a small space will require the single row method.

In a single row format you lay a string line and measure your holes depending on the plant, so for example a Photinia would be around 60cm apart in a well ventilated full sun position..  In a staggered format you place plants in successive rows using alternating distances on those rows.  Depending on the space you have you may be able to get more than just a double row. ​

As another example let's say you wanted a dense barrier that aided in sound reduction and you had a bit of space to do it.  Try Juniperas chinensis "Spartan", which grows in a dense column.   Dig a double or triple trench keeping the parent soil aside to mix with compost.  Again, measure out your holes, dig twice as large as the root mass and fill with water.  Fill the bottom of the hole with a small mound of the soil and compost mix and after teasing out roots spread across the mound.  When fully planted, lay slow release fertiliser along the trench and return the soil and compost mix.  This will provide a nutrient rich and loose soil for the roots to search and grow through. ​

Pruning requirements are different for each plant but as a general rule it's not a bad idea to pinch out a few early spring shoots to encourage more dense growth.  Just make sure don't chop too hard in summer and burn back a section like this bloke in the drawing above. 

Keep a bottle of eco organic fungicide on hand and watch for powdery white build ups particularly on Photinias and Lily Pilys.   Look regularly for pests, check under leaves for eggs.  Look on trunks for scale. 
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Consider whether staking is required, particularly with single row hedges with little shelter.

​Camellia - slightly acidic, good results with slight shelter, great flower, pretty sturdy.
Azalea - good combo with camellia.  Likes filtered light, good draininage, pH6.  Aucuba japonica "picturata" - golden splashed leaves grown in shade, well drainied moist coastal conditions. "Japanese Laurel"
Lavender - attracts bees, tolerates dry conditions but looks great when you water it.   Useful herbal oils and scents.
Acer almatum - beautiful contrasting colours present on the trunk, makes you feel like you are in a japanese rainforest.  If in a shelettred position then will become a successful plant that just looks great.
Olive - hardy plant, good in well drained snady soils, withstands heat, you get a fruit and you can clip the branches to use in weaving (collect when they are green as they are more flexible)
Citrus any dwarf variety - I don't see any reason not to go with dwarf rootstock in backyard settings.  Easy path for success with a tree packed with edibles.
Loquat - brings bees and plenty of them, provides good shade, strong structure, edible fruit
Schefflera actinophylla - The umbrella tree is Native to Aus and New Guinea, this is one for the indoor display.  Thick glossy leaves arrayed in an outward burst are its great feature.
Rose - There are some extremely hardy roses available.  Well used in streetscapes and landscape barriers around the city.  
Rosemary - there's a few different varieties that work really well, choices fall in the categories of colour, growing style and culinary use so is a versatile plants.  This is one for a slightly higher soil pH than the camellia.

Logging information and observing what impact different techniques have on plants is a valuable way to truly know if the effect is successful or not.  Here is a log of a group of chilli plants that were first grown in a greenhouse and then placed into the ground in mid October.  Some where given protection with a cloche from the start, some given protection at around 6 weeks and the final group were given no protection.  As you can see in this experiment there was a huge difference in growth rate when given that extra warmth from the cloche.