The Theory Of Continuity

Week 1


In my first lesson of media this week we looked at the theory of continuity, focusing on the 3 rules: Match on action, shot reserve shot and the 180° rule and understanding how to use them in the making of a film.

We first discussed what the meaning of Continuity was before we moved on to anything else, so what is the meaning of continuity? well, the simplest explanation i could come up with was the flow between shots and is used in the making of a film to avoid the discontinuity from shot to shot.


The 3 rules of continuity
We then moved on to discussing the three rules of continuity and how they work during the making of a film.

Rule 1 - Match on action
The match on action shot is used when showing something happening in the scene, then cutting and continuing the scene at a later date with the same piece of action in the first shot using a continuous flow disguising the cut in between the two shots making it easy for the viewers to watch the film. 

Rule 2 - Shot reverse shot
The shot reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character and the camera switches between the two people to show them looking at each other throughout the scene. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewers assume that they are looking at each other.


Rule 3 - The 180° rule
Normally films are created using the 180° rule, this is were shots are only filmed within a 180° range. This technique is used to prevent the audience from becoming confused with what's happening in the scene.