This document discusses editing techniques in film, including continuity editing. It defines editing as how one scene changes to the next. Continuity editing uses techniques like the 180-degree rule, shot/reverse shot, eyeline match, and match on action to smoothly transition between shots and imply spatial relationships. Breaking continuity can create a more constructed meaning through juxtaposition. There are also different types of transitions between shots like fades, dissolves, and wipes.

1. To develop our understanding of
technical codes through consideration
of editing techniques

2. we can analyse:
• how long each shot lasts e.g. longer
shots = more relaxed mood
• the style of edit
• the type of transition
Technical codes - Editing

3. Editing
Briefly defined:
• The ways one scene changes to the next

4. Why is editing important?
• The term editing refers to the changing shots
within a piece of film. The pace (speed) with
which this happens has important role in creating
atmosphere. For instance, if there is a car chase
on screen, the editing will be rapid, making us
excited. A countryside picnic scene, on the other
hand, will probably feature slow editing; we relax
and take in the details on the screen.

5. Continuity
Continuity editing
• Cutting shots to tell a story with narrative
continuity, helping the viewer make sense of the
action by implying spatial relationships and
ensuring smooth flow from shot to shot.
• Realism - edit is invisible so action appears real
rather than constructed.
• There are 5 key continuity techniques:

6. Continuity editing
• master shot/establishing
shot - This is our
establishing or long shot
(establishes the space in
which action is to happen)
• 180 degree rule

7. 180 Degree Rule
• It is a filming guideline that the participants in a scene
should have same left-right relationship to each other.
• Breaking the rule can confuse the audience.

8. Things are easier to
explain with pictures
In this scene:
• The man is always facing right
• The woman is always facing
left
• Mo matter which position or
angle the camera is shooting
from, the characters will
always be facing the same
direction throughout.

9. What happens if you cross the line
• If you move the camera
across the line,
characters face the same
way as each other
• This equals confusion

10. How do I cross the line?
• Show the movement
– This way the viewer wont become disorientated as they
will have see the camera move.
• Once the line has been cross, all shots must be from that
side of the line, unless you cross back over (again showing
the movement)

12. Continuity editing
• master shot/establishing
shot
• 180 degree rule
• shot/reverse shot

13. Shot/Reverse shot
• Used in filming dialogue / characters looking at each other
or objects.
• This shot frames the speaker as he says his dialogue, often
there will be a part of the listener in the shot, slightly out
of focus for example, the shoulder slightly out of focus.
• It can be point of view or over the shoulder shot.
• This comes in line with the 180 degree rule.

16. Continuity editing
• master shot/establishing
shot
• 180 degree rule
• shot/reverse shot
• eyeline match

17. When the
character
looks off-
screen or at
something we
can’t see, the
next shot
shows us
what they are
looking at.
This is usually
followed up
with a close up
to show us the
reaction of the
character – if a

18. Why Eyeline match is important

19. Continuity
editing
• master shot/establishing
shot
• 180 degree rule
• shot/reverse shot
• eyeline match
• match on action

20. Match on Action
• It is an editing technique for continuity editing in which one
shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the
subject in the first shot.
• This creates an impression of continuity – visual bridge. The
view matches the action.
• It portrays a continuous sense of the same action rather
than 2 separate scenarios (although you may have shot it at
different days).
• Watch this scene from the Matrix

21. Remember:
• Wearing the same clothes
• Appears identical to the previous filming time
• Lighting (time of day/weather)
• Clocks in the view must be same time.
• Also if person entering on the left they have to leave on the
right.

22. Continuity
editing
• master shot/establishing
shot
• 180 degree rule
• shot/reverse shot
• eyeline match
• match on action

23. Non-Continuity
• Montage – giving information in compressed form
– can come under…
• Non-continuity editing – Continuity is broken
and construction is more apparent. Meaning
often created through juxtaposition and
metaphor shot inserts.

24. 4 types of Transitions
The process of cutting from one shot to
another usually involves a simple straight
cut or simply ‘cut’. However there are other
means of transition available to a film editor
• Fade to black
• Dissolve/cross fade
• Wipe
Watch the clip