Continuity Editing Techniques

Continuity editing refers to a set of rules that all fimmakers stick to. It allows the images to be stuck together to create a seamless narrative. We must also be thinking about these rules when we come to make our sequences.

180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule refers to an imaginary line which cuts through the middle of the scene, for example though the two main characters. The camera must stay on the same side of this line for the entire scene, otherwise the viewers perspective is changed, which may result in diorientation or confusion.

30 degree rule

This rule says that the camera should move at least 30 degrees when cutting between two shots of the same person or object to avoid a jump cut. An example of a jump cut can be seen at 2:40 in the linked sequence from Casino Royale. http://latymermediahughtomatomp.blogspot.com/2010/01/shot-references-james-bond.html

Match on action

This is where two shots are cut together so that the action in the second shot matches the action in the first shot. For example, a door opening, shot from both inside and outside the room, will be cut as the door is half-open, and will continue in the second shot from the same position.