Continuity editing

 

 

Continuity editing

 

 Continuity editing is a system of cutting used to maintain continuous and clear narrative action by following a set of rules. Benefits of continuity editing would include that the narrative has structure, the shot sequences flow smoothly into each other making it easier to follow the film. There are certain rules that continuity editing has to follow including the establishing shot, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.

 

The rules of continuity editing

 

 The establishing shot - A long shot or extreme long shot, usually with loose framing that shows the spatial relations between the important figures, objects and setting in a scene.

 

Shot/reverse shot - This rule is where two shots are edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation. An example is where the character(s) in one frame look left and in the other frame the character(s) look right showing a realistic line of sight.

 

The 180 degree rule - The angle between any two shots consecutive shots should not exceed 180 degrees, in order to maintain spatial relationships between people and objects in any given sequence of shots.

 

The 30 degree rule - The angle between any two shots consecutive shots should not exceed 30 degrees, in order to maintain spatial relationships between people and objects in any given sequence of shots.

Crosscutting - Editing that alternates between shots occurring simultaneously in two or more different locations. 

 

match on action - A cut between two shots that places two different framings of the same action next to each other, making it seem to continue interrupted.

 

Eye line match - A cut between two shots, in which the first shot shows a person looking off in one direction, and the second shot shows either a space containing what he or she sees, or a person looking back in exactly the opposite direction.