Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing is when the edits between shots flow into one another easily and most of the time the audience do not even realise these edits have been made. These are made to be as unobtrusive as possible. Some examples of continuity editing that are used in many different ways are these basic edits:
-Master Shot- this sets up the spatial relationship between the characters. It shows you where they are in the room and the audience can use this information when watching the rest of the scenes.
-180 degree rule- An imagery line is drawn between the characters. The camera can be placed anywhere but it must stay on the same side of this line.


-Match on action- This is where the characters carry out an action and the first shot from one type/angle and the next shot from another type/angle.
-Shot reverse shot- Usually used during conversations where the camera switches between medium close up/close up of characters as they speak to each other, showing the response and reaction between the characters.



-Eyeline match- Cut between a characters looking off screen to what they are looking at.
These all seem natural to the audience and most of the time these shots do not seem like they have been put in during the editing part. These seem very smooth and allow the storylines to flow quicker and easier, so the audience do not get confused at all. These cuts allow the audience to see time and space in a clear way so that it makes sense to them watching it and doesn't look odd in any way.