Continuity Exercise Reflection

In order for the continuity exercise to be a success we had to create great idea.  As a result of our great idea we over complicated the task and didn't stick to the rules of the exercise, which was to show a clear match on match action, 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot of a person coming into a room and having a conversation between another person. Therefore, we had to change the situation, keeping it very simple and straightforward. Nevertheless, it was still quite difficult to film, especially when capturing the 180-degree rule on camera, as we did not have enough space. Ensuring that the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and match on match action is filmed correctly and edited well is vital, as we won’t want to confuse the audience but, instead we would like it to flow in order for the audience not to notice the variety of shots being used.  

Continuity Exercise- Clip

Continuity Exercise - Preparation

Continuity editing is always used by film makes as it is made up by small shots, which ensures that the audience believes that what they are watching is authentic. In order to carry out this continuity exercise I have to take in account four key rules.

1) 180 Rule 

In film making the 180-degree rule is a basic guideline that states that two character or element should have the same left/right relationship to each other.

When the camera passes over the imaginary axis that runs down both characters (subjects) which connects them, it is called crossing the line. Which therefore indicates that any camera work can take place anywhere within the 180 degree space

 2) Eye line match 

The eye line match rule is normally used by film makers who want to show the audience, the characters facial expression as well as what the character is perceiving. So the eye line match rule is a shot of the character looking at anything (item, person and etc) which then it is immediately followed by other shot of what the character is looking at. However the second shot must always be from the same angle from the first shot. 

3) Shot reverse shot  

In film, shot reverse shot is normally displayed on screen in order to create tension, suspense, conversation, action/violent scenes and etc. The shot reverse is consistent of three parts, the first part is a shot of the subject, (character/s and etc) second part is a shot of the another subject, (character/s and etc) and the third part is that the shot returns back to the first subject (character/s and etc) in the first shot. This short reverse shot is very effective as is creates and give the audience a sense if realism.  

4) Math on Match action

The match on match action shot allows the audience to watch the action (what the audience are perceiving on screen) from different angles (views), which adds excitement to the shot. However, when editing a match on match action shot, it is essential that the action/movement is not interrupted but it continues to flow on as a whole action sequence.