Rules of Continuity in filming

 

Continuity is a type of editing which is many clips cut together in order to maintain continuous and clear narrative action by following specific rules including shot reverse shot, 180 degree and match shot.

Shot reverse shot: This is when two different shots are edited together in order to follow a conversation. This will show two alternate characters one whose face is focused on, as they are speaking, and the back/shoulder of the person they are addressing. Usually characters in one frame will look left, and in the following frame will look right

180 degree rule: This is a rule that must be followed when filming to maintain spatial relationships between the characters and the props which appear in the shot. The angle between any two consecutive shots must not exceed 180 degree, this can only happen when you take the viewer with you.  The clip below explains the 180 degree rule and the effect on the viewer if the rule is broke.

Match shot: Match shot is an editing or cutting technique which is when two or more shots are edited together to match each other. The action happening in each shot must be perfectly timed in order to continue the flow of the shot, however these may use different shot types. For example the action happening within the shot may be someone opening a door, the first shot may be of the person walking towards the door (long/medium shot) matched with a close up of the handle and then matched with the door opening from the opposite side. This example can be seen in our preliminary task.