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Basics of Continuity Editing (1)

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Basics of Continuity Editing (1)

Uploaded by

chikaralavanya19
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BA (JMC) 206: TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION

Unit III [Production]

Basics of Continuity Editing (1)

Introduction

The continuity style of editing is distinguished by the perception of a continuously


flowing, flawless and clearly consistent narrative where we appear not to note the holes
and breaks of shifts in the scene and cutting. Continuity cutting is a method or technique
for arranging shots with either the goal of ensuring the spatial and temporal orientation of
the audience. Continuity editing actually provides the audience the illusion that spatial
and temporal continuity causes the action to flow. Natural coherence is accomplished in
almost all of the films by cutting to continuity, which stresses a seamless transition
between time and space. It cannot be denied that maintaining continuity is not just a
post- production work but a task which starts and carried out from during the time
of production stage.

Rules for maintaining continuity

The continuity method is a list of rules to help make sure that the shots unite. This
involves framing, camera placement, size of the image (shot size) and editing.

● Progression of shot sizes

If you are trying to show a location, characters or activity, it is always better to shoot
things of different shot sizes. Doing so your scene will look more appealing. Do not jump
right from, for example, an extreme wide shot to a big close-up only if you want viewers
to get confused. You need to place between them a kind of long shot or mid shot, so that
the audience sees the linkage between the shots.

● 30 degree rule of changing camera position

While you change shot size then fundamentally you move the camera around the subject
to find an absolutely different spot. When you do not, then it will give an impression that
the subject is cropped/ scaled forward or backward from the same frame. The 30 degree
rule means that you should always be shifting the camera between two shots giving at
least 30 degrees shift from the original position either in the left or right (as required) .
Doing so, the shots will fit better together.
● Shot reverse shot

Usually you must take shot reverse shot. It helps you to show the character what they are
looking at, or two people together to use close-ups and make further effective. Even when
two characters are shot using one camera the simple way of shooting the scene is
executing or shooting the scene multiple times, first with both the actors in frame, then
with one actor's mid shots and close-ups, and with the other character's mid shots or
close-ups. Later cut/edit between both the character alternatively. When you are shooting
someone on the move, take a few shots from the front and some from the back and later
edit the front and back shot alternatively.

● Rule of 180 degree imaginary line or axis

It is appropriate for subjective shots showing the scene from the point of view of every
actor. But to be slightly to one side of each character is more effective for the camera.
Here, important thing is that a camera has to be place on the same side. Imagine a line is
between the two characters. Place your camera on one side of the divide/line. If the line is
crossed then the shots will not match together. Your two actors will look like they are
facing in the same direction, instead of facing each other. If you are recording somebody
moving then remain in the same axis or same side of their moving direction. And if you
don’t, then the person on the move will look like they have reversed the direction.

● Keep space towards looking direction

Its is always good to keep a free space towards the characters looking direction which is
also known as nose room. Doing so, it will be more realistic and it will apparently clarify
that the actors are facing each other.

● Eyeline Match

The line of viewing must match with the line of the object where the character is looking
which is opposite to the character.

● Say no for two similar shots of the same thing together

Editing with two close- up shots of a same person will definitely have an abrupt jump. It
is unavoidable even when you are editing a conversation or an interview. Through cutting
to a master shot and then back, you can prevent that. Or you can just use a cutaway such
as the reaction shot of the other character when one character is talking and then cut back
to the main character who is talking. With that one holds shot reverse shot concept.
Another best way is to use cut- ins or inserts in between the same shot types to emphasize
some thing very important.
TOTAL WORDS- 805

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