Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing

This is a system of editing using cutting to maintain a continuous and clear narrative action by following a set of rules.
There is also a consistency of characters and events as scenes look the same as before and the cutting from scene to scene seems to be 'invisible' as it is not consciously noticed by the viewer.

Some media texts may have flashbacks and flash forwards but the narrative will still have a realistic or expected progression forward.

There are certain rules to follow when editing for continuity:

1.Eye-line Match

2.Match on Action

3.Graphic Match

4.180 Degree Rule

5.Shot/Reverse Shot

6.Establishing Shot

Eye-line Match

A cut between two shots, in which we see a character looking at something off screen in the first shot and in the second shot, we see object that the character was looking at or a person looking back in exactly in the opposite.

Match on Action

Also a cut between two shots, showing a character start an action in the first shot and see them continue that same action in the next shot.

Graphic Match

When two shots are linked with a similar shape or composition of an image.

180 Degree Rule

This is a basic rule that states that the angle between two consecutive shots should not exceed 180 degrees, the characters in the scene should always maintain the same left/right relationship to each other. 

If the camera passes that 180° line that is connecting the two characters/objetcts, it is called crossing the line.

Shot/Reverse Shot

Two shots are edited in a way that the two alternate characters are shown having a conversation or argument. The characters in one shot are looking left and in the other looking right.

Establishing Shot

A long shot or extreme long shot, which is designed to show the viewer where the action is taking place.