Continuity in Filming

Continuity is very important in filming as it helps to make the film look as realistic as possible. If there are any breaks in continuity it can remind the viewer that what they are watching is not real.

There are several rules regarding continuity:

180 ^o Rule

The 180 degree rule means that the camera must not cross the imaginary line in the shot. The diagram shows the line which the camera cannot cross as the line between the two people.

The different locations where the camera can film while still keeping the continuity is shown along the dashed line.

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot reverse shot is a filming method which increases the realism of the scene, and also helps the viewer to engage with what they are watching. The 180 degree rule applies to shot reverse shot to help make the scene look much more realistic and to ensure that it flows correctly. A shot reverse shot is produced by switching which character is on screen depending on who is talking at that time.

Match Cutting

Match cutting is when you cut from one scene, to a completely different one - but objects on each scene match.