Principals of Continuity

Today we learnt about the principals of continuity and began to prepare for a short film using them. Here they are with an explanation of each:


1. Match on Action

This is when the shot is cut from one area of the scene to another to show what is happening in another view that matches the first shot. It gives an impression of continuity.


2. Shot Reverse Shot

This is when one character is looking at another and the camera shows this from behind one of their heads. This then changes to behind the other persons head so that we get a view of both the characters. It is to show two characters looking at each other.


3. 180 degree rule

This is when the camera is not shown more than 180 degrees around the two characters having a conversation. If more than 180 degrees is shown then it may look like the characters have suddenly moved and then it becomes noncontinuous.

Emily