Continuity Editing

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ESzTB32CxE8&feature=related

Continuity is the art in which to create realism through effective editing techniques. This principal is necessary to achieve a perfected excerpt of film. The clip i am using to demonstrate continuity is taken from popular TV drama 'Hollyoaks' in which a number of the micro techniques can be found.

The first technique used in the excerpt is an 'Over-the-shoulder' shot, used here in conversation, it presents the audience with perspectives of both characters and in this case shows the dominance of the character 'Niall'.

The second technique observed is the use of the '180-degree rule' in which the camera depicts both characters in conversation, whilst never crossing the imaginary 180-degree line to maintain continuity and effectiveness.

The final technique used in this clip is 'match-on-action' in which and action is repeatedly filmed from different perspectives and effectively edited to achieve a polished sense of realism.