2. Video continuity – Project Brief
For the second preliminary task, I have produced a short clip approximately lasting 1 minute. The clip features
three of the following media techniques:
1.The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen
spatial relationship between a character and another character or
object within a scene.
2. Shot/Reverse shot is a film technique where one character is
shown looking at another character (often off-screen).
3. Match on action is a video editing technique where the editor cuts
from one shot to another.
3. THE 180 DEGREE RULE
• The 180 degree rules states that during the filming procedure of two
elements, the camera must stay within a 180 degree field and not cross the
axis of action which refers to an imaginary line which cuts through the
middle of the scene, with left to right sides of the frame.
• If the camera crosses the axis of action confusion and disorientation can be
caused from the side of the audience/
• The effect achieved when using the 180 degree rule is that it involves the
audience into the conversation by using various shots of a quick pace to
capture the facial expressions of the characters.
5. Demonstration of the 180 Degree Rule
• As you can see in the (0:24) of the video, with a
wide extreme long shot that introduces the
audience into the setting and mood of the scene.
• In the following shot (1:18) demonstrates a
medium shot of one character speaking to
another character. This way the audience has a
deep insight of the characters facial expression.
• In the last shot (1:15) is another medium shot of
the other character opposing to the first
character. There is a short pause there, that
could quite possibly mean that the director
would want to make the conversation look more
natural.
6. SHOT/REVERSE SHOT
• Shot/Reverse shot is a crucial editing technique when filming
dialogues. Traditionally, the process utilizes the 180 degree rule, eye
line match and rule of change among others.
• The essential components consist of a three camera set up.
• The basic shots required to fulfill of this editing process are: a two
shot of the characters (wide or medium shot); an over the shoulder
shot on the second character.
• It is used to attract the audience into the dialogue and into the film
or rather the visual display
• This technique is based on continuity editing due to the audience
not being able to notice the cuts.
8. Demonstration of
Shot/Reverse shot
• This sequence of shots illustrates the editing term
shot/reversed shot. In the primary shot (0:22) a two shot
is demonstrated. In this way the audience gets the
opportunity to see the full setting of where the characters
are placed through a wide shot.
• In the second shot (0:24) the camera cuts to a medium
over the shoulder shot of the first character. Therefore we
get a deep insight to their conversation.
• In the final shot (0:28) the same premise is established
but the camera is placed towards the second character.
9. MATCHED ON ACTION
• The process of this editing technique is based on one
shot cutting to another shot portraying the action of
the subject in the first shot.
• Matched on action is part of a continuity sequence
which results in a visual bridge, which means that the
action flows and thus no abrupt pauses are made that
would make the scene seem unnatural In terms of
reality and validity of the action being displayed.
10. • The primary shot (0:04) displays a close up of the
characters feet. In this way suspense is intensified since
the audience does not know the characters gender,
appearance or location of the character.
• In the following shot (0:06) the audience sees a back
medium shot to establish the scene and thus steadily
revealing a deep insight into the characters
appearance.
• The final shot (0:10) shows a medium shot of his bag
which is another key factor of unrolling the characters
initiatives in the scene.
Demonstration of Matched on
Action
11. Preliminary Task Synopsis
Two students that despise each other are
walking towards the canteen from
different directions. As they approach a
cake in the middle of the canteen, they
start a clash for the last slice of pie.
