Continuty editing

180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is when two characters from a clip maintain the same left or right relationship to one another. The camera should always remain on the same side of the 'line' which is imaginary, but it is drawn perpendicular to the cameras viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene. This rule enforces continuity to the film. This also applies to football matches and other sport, not just films and tv shows. It is known that the rule should never be broken, the only defence for breaking the rule would be for effect and would be on purpose and has been thought about majorly what they are doing so it doesn't look scruffy and confusing for the viewers. Cameras ALWAYS must be on ONE side of the line, never different sides. If the line is crossed when filming over the shoulder shots this mean that it will effect the characters eye line and then proceeds to the actors eyes not matching, it will make it look like the actor is in the opposite direction.

shot reverse shot

Shot reverse shot is a continuity editing technique that is used in conversations or when characters are looking at each others/objects/anything. It also shows the audience what the character is supposedly looking at from either a point of view or shoulder shot, and then this is followed by a angle shot reverse of the character themselves. Shot reverse shot sometimes ties in with the 180 degree angle rule to retain continuity by not distorting the audiences sense of location of the characters. Usually characters in one frame look left, and then in the following frame are looking right. However this may not be filmed in the correct order but afterwards is edited together. The one thing they have to make sure is the right amount of shots are filmed during this to make it work.

- establishing shot

- 30 degree rule

- cross cutting

- match on action

- eye line shot

- re-establishing shot.

- rule of thirds