Task Seven: Understanding Continuity Editing

Task 7: Understanding Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing is what become known as the popular 'classical Hollywood' style of editing. It was developed by early European and American directors namely D.W Griffith who used Continuity Editing in his films such as The Birth of a Nation. The style ensures temporal time and space and is used to advance narrative.

The Techniques Include:

- Eye-Line Match
- Match On Action
- Shot, Reverse Shot
- 180 Degree Rule


Continuity Editing is important as it can help retain a sense of realistic chronology and makes it feel like time is progressing.


Key Continuity Techniques


Eye-Line Match:

The technique creates a link with matches the two shots together. It starts with a character looking off into the distance (you don't know what the person is looking at) until the next shot which shows what the person is looking at. This is what creates a link between the two shots. Film-makers will use this as it is very effective in making the camera seem like somebody's eye.


Match on Action:

This technique also creates a link with two shots. Match on Action makes it seem like the character has only been filmed once, but he could have performed the shot many times, this is because the continuity makes it seem natural and preformed once, The picture to the right shows a picture of two people shaking hands, the next shot then shows the same action but with a different shot to make it seem like the shot has flowed without changing. Film-makers will use this to make the shot seem continuous and flowing.

Shot, Reverse Shot:

This Technique links two shots together.

The first shot shows a camera angle from the back of the person closest to the camera, facing towards the other person. The next shot then reverses, so that the person that was facing the camera is now shot from the back-shoulder. This is effective as it shows that the two characters are linked and talking to each-other. Film-makers will use this to their advantage as it can create a strong bond between characters talking.

180 Degree Rule:

Film-makers must be aware that when you are filming you should stay on the one side of the 180 degree angle, if you don't then the angle viewing from the other side will make the characters swap side on the camera giving the illusion of the characters changing sides which can be quite confusing and will kill the realistic reality of the scene. Shining broke the 180 Degree Rule because they wanted to make it feel surreal.