FILM 1400 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Eyeline Match, Point-Of-View Shot, 180-Degree Rule
Document Summary
A system of editing in which the spatial and temporal relationships between shots are matched to insure a clear and continuous line of narrative action. Continuity editing creates smooth flow from shot to shot: Space is personalized: narrative space serves characters. Screen direction - the right - left relationship in a scene. Continuity editing keeps screen direction consistent between shots. The camera must stay on the same side of the narrative action to insure consistent spatial relations and constant screen direction from shot to shot. Axis of action - imaginary line that passes through the main actors, defining what seems right or left. The camera is not supposed to cross the axis at a cut and thus reverse spatial relations. Establishing shot - a shot near the beginning of a scene which presents a complete view of the scene (usually, a long shot), thereby establishing the spatial relations among the important characters, objects, and setting.