The Principle of Continuity

Why is Continuity important?

Continuity is used to keep the narrative flowing logically and smoothly. It is vital that directors use it correctly while making the film because otherwise it would leave the audience confused and lost as to what is going on.

What is continuity editing?

Continuity editing is the process that most directors follow when producing mainstream film and tv fiction. It follows a set of unwritten rules that allows the footage to be shot and created in order to create a 'seamless narrative'.

From this seamless narrative a process called 'suture' is formed, this is where the audience are 'sewn' into the narrative. This means that instead of focusing on the fact that the film has been edited they focus on the narrative and the characters. This allows them to almost step into the world of fiction that the director has created.

NB. Editing is an important process of ensuring continuity but keeping the characters' costume and appearance, the set and the lighting consistent from shot to shot is also just as important.

The Rules of Continuity Editing

Shot order - You should help your audience make sense of the film by moving across physical space in a logical shot order, i.e. long shot to mid shot to close up, instead of jumping from long shot to extreme close up

180 degree rule - This rule refers to an imaginary line running through the middle of the scene (shown below). It is important not to cross the line because it changes the perspective that the viewer see he scene from which can cause confusion and disorientation. So unless this is intended or the viewer actually sees the viewpoint move across the line, then it is important not to cross the line. 

30 degree rule - If the camera angle moves by less than 30 degrees (with the same framing) the audience may notice a 'jump' in the footage (also known as a jump cut)

Eyeline Match - It is important that the direction of the characters' gazes stay constant. For example if one character 1 is taller than character 2, then when the camera is from character 1's point of view it should be a high angle (looking down) and from character 2's point of view it should be a low angle (looking up).

Match on Match Action - You should match the last action of the previous shot to the first action of the next shot. This will ensure that action doesn't appear to repeat itself.

Shot/reverse/shot - When cutting back and forth between two people having a conversation you should do it in stages as following:

• Film it once as a master shot (showing character 1 and character 2)
• Film it again as a close up on character 1
• Film it again as a close up on character 2
• Film BCU's as individual shots when you want to show emotion
• When needed film mid shots, etc.

Creating meaning through Continuity

Meaning can be created through the use of transitions, sound, lighting, camera movement/position and framing.

A selection of techniques are:

Cross Cutting - This is where shots that are from different spaces of the narrative are put together. Overtime audiences have learnt to understand that this action is occurring simultaneously. Cross cutting is often quick and a popular example of this would be in a chase scene.

Fades - Fading in/out of a shot is often used to represent the passing of time

Wipes - Even though wipes are unusual to see, they can be used to make something wacky or lively and is more likely to be seen in a children's tv program or a comical sketch.

How will this help me in future?

By looking at the background material on continuity editing and from my own experiences in the accident task I have learnt that it is crucial to follow the rules of continuity in order to ensure that your audience are not confused and to help the narrative flow. When making my own film in future I will keep in consideration the 180 and 30 degree rule to ensure that the viewers perspective does not change and confuse the message that is trying to be portrayed. I think that it will also be useful to use the techniques listed above in the editing process to make sure that each shot portrays meaning through the use of continuity editing, e.g through cross cutting to build up suspense and tension.