Principals Of Continuity

Continuity (in terms of film) is the process of making sure that a film flows. It is done to prevent confusion or distraction from the narrative as well as to make a film aesthetically pleasing. The process of continuity is done to encourage the audience to enter the fictional world of the director and better interpret the goings on in the film.

Continuity techniques are:

• To use the full range of shot distances, where relevant, and to promote specific actions to the audience (i.e speech or movement) which also creates variety.
• Camera movement, which creates the effect of the physical movement of the audiences view, forcing there eyes on something or providing an overview of the surroundings with a panoramic shot (pan). It creates perspective and a point of view.

Continuity editing techniques:

• The 180 degree rule and constant consideration of direction. This is where from where the camera starts in a scene or location and never rotates around that location over 180 degrees. This is so that the audience is given a clear idea of the positioning of characters and of the scene and if the rule is broken then this clarity is lost with confusion.  

• The 30 degree rule. This is when the camera never moves over 30 degrees between set ups.
• Eye-line matching. This means that characters are positioned correctly in the frame as well as if they are out of frame.
• Matching cut. This is when the action in one shot is continued in the next shot.
• Match on action. This is when the last action is one shot is linked to the first action in the next shot and so on.
• Use of cuts and dissolves to construct rhythm and pace. This is when shots are either simultaneous and cut to make seamless transition and no passing of time or to signify a passing of time or location with a dissolve.
• Use of shot order. Shots are put together to make sense and create narrative as well as following the storyboard and script. This takes the audience smoothly through the narrative.
• Shot-reverse-shot. Done when characters are conversing. This is when the shots are cut between the two characters, placing the audience between them.
• Cross cutting. This is when shots are placed together from different spaces in the narrative to show that things are happening simultaneously. A good example of where this would be used is in chase scenes. 
• Parallel cutting. This is the same but shots can be independent from each other.

  Continuity is so important for creating narrative flow and creating a great film (that is assuming the script and idea behind the film are good too!) Therefore I will definitely need to incorporate these rules into my production so that audience understanding is maintained.