FILM 1401 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: 180-Degree Rule, Continuity Editing, Establishing Shot
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: Continuity editing has to work against the disruption of cutting in scenes. Match (ex: space, asking a question offscreen) and rhythm (when to cut so audience doesn"t notice it) Space is personalized: narrative space serves (us looking at the) 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.
