Continuity principles

Continuity Principles

Establishing shot:

An establishing shot is used to show where the scene is taking place. For example; if there is a scene where a discussion is being had between two characters and it is in a hotel, there would be a long shot of the hotel before the scene. This gives the audience a better sense of where everything is taking place and allows them to be more immersed in the film.

Shot/reverse shot:

This is two shots edited together that alternate between characters; often during a conversation. Normally a character in one frame will look left and then in the next be looking right.

180 degree rule:

The 180 degree rule is used when two characters are having a conversation. The camera must stay on one side of the conversation as if there is an invisible line going through both people and the camera can’t cross it. This is to avoid the audience being disorientated and confused, because if the camera were to suddenly change sides the perspective of the characters would look of and it would not seem like they were talking to each other. This rule can be broken if the physical movement of the camera is shown.

Match on Action:

This is where an action is begun in one shot and continued in the next. For example a door starting to be opened in one shot, then the shot changing and the door completely opened in this shot.

Crosscutting:

This is where the camera cuts from one shot to another and then back to the original shot.


We will use a variety of these editing techniques in our opening sequence, this will create a more interesting scene for the audience.