Rules Of Continuity In Filming

Continuity in filming is a style of film editing and cutting to sustain the attention from the audience. However there are some guidelines that involve the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot.

The 180 Degree Rule-
In film the 180 degree rule is the guideline relating the on screen relationship between two characters or an object in the shot. The axis line connects the characters together, and by keeping the camera on the same side of the axis throughout, the first character will always frame right of the second character. The second character will then always frame left from the first character. If the camera passes over the line there will be a jump cut which will break the 180 degree rule and also confuse the audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bba7raSvvRo

This clip helped me understand the 180 degree rule as it showed how the camera staying on one side of the axis presents the characters in the same position. It doesn't make the character look as if he is talking to himself and confuse the audience.


Match On Action-
Match on action is an editing process for continuity editing, showing how one shot cuts to another shot showing the action at different views. Doesn't match two separate things its a continuous of the same action. While editing you can crop faults to enable its showing the same in the scene as the other shot but at a different view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv93covb53w

This video helps me understand match on action better. The front on shot of the guy about to close the door then the view from inside the room would have been taken twice to be able to get the two different angles. Also so you couldn't see the camera man in the background.

Shot Reverse Shot-
Shot reverse shot is when you see a character look at another character and then shown character two looking at character one. It looks like they are looking at each other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLkUHZ1qips

This clip shows how shot reverse shot works and that the characters are looking at each other. The over the shoulder shot is used effectively however makes you realise that its taken more that once as you would be able to see the camera equipment otherwise.