Continuity Editing

To complete the Preliminary Task to a high standard, we had to use Continuity Editing correctly. Continuity editing consists of a number of different rules. All of these rules contribute to forfilling the seamless effect. This keeps the audience beliveing the scene as the shots flow together well.

180 Degree Rule:
The 180 Degree rule is pretty much self explanatory. The camera cannot pass the 180 Degree line without filming as it does. If this happens, the characters within the scene seem like they've swapped sides. This is a serious error and ruins the illusion completely. The audience can get confused as to where each character is within a room and again, ruin continuity. If the camera sticks to the 180 Degree rule, the characters are where the audience expects them to be, therefore the scene flows seamlessly. The camera can cross the 180 Degree line if it is filiming as it moves. This way the audience is not suprised when the actors have changed sides.

Match on Action:
This is an extremely important factor to consider when ensuring continuity. Match on action is essentially keeping all props, lighting, and sceneary the same as the previous shot as to keep the audience watching without realizing that it has been edited (keeping them involved). This is also done with the characters actions. For example, If two characters where shaking eachother's hands in one shot they would have to be either still shaking hands or pulling back in the next shot as to ensure continuity.


Eyeline Match:
Eyeline match is important when filming a scene. Actors need to be looking in the right direction when talking to one another. If one of the characters is not in the shot, the character that is would need to be looking in the direction of the actor that is not being fimed. The next shot would them film this actor and It makes the scene more believable. This is used in every scripted TV programme, film, and short movies.