Editing Techniques in Film

2. Shot Reverse Shot
 A shot reverse shot (or shot/countershot) is
an editing technique in which there is a
shot where one character is looking at
another character, and then a shot in which
the other character is looking at the first
one.
 This is often used during scenes where
conversation is a key feature, as it shows
the audience all of the speakers’ facial
expressions and who is speaking at that
particular time. This provides clarity and
empathy to the viewers.

3. 180 Degree Rule
 The 180 degree rule is a guide for the
placement of the camera during the scenes
in a conversation. The rule states that there
is an imaginary line drawn through both
characters (the axis) and that the camera
should always remain on one side of this
line, so that one character is always on the
left and the other on the right.
 This is usually only used in scenes with
conversations, as the object in the centre
of the rule usually does not move. This rule
is used to provide clarity for the viewer, as
it is easier to understand where key
characters are in a scene if they are always
to one particular side of a shot.

4. Match on Action
 Match on action is an editing technique in
which one shot shows a character
performing an action, and then there is a
cut to a shot of the action’s results. For
example: a character aims and shoots a
gun, and the next shot is of someone being
shot.
 This technique is very commonly used in
film, as it clearly defines any action in a
scene for the audience. It can be used to
add an effect to most actions, such as
tension or excitement and it provides
clarity as to what the characters are doing
in a film.

5. Eyeline Match
 Eyeline Matches are when one shot shows a
character looking at something, and then
the next shot shows what they are looking
at. For example, a character looks at a bag
of money, and then there is a close-up of
the bag itself.
 This technique is used for the same reasons
that match on actions are used: they clearly
define a character’s object of interest in a
scene and displays this to the audience. It
can be used to show what a character is
looking at, even if other characters in the
scene do not. This provides a window into
what a character is thinking in a scene,
making a character’s intentions or subject
of interest more clear to the viewers.