Editing Research used for Preliminary Task

I am a Media Studies AS student and as part of a preliminary task we were asked to research particular editing techniques, Match On Action, Shot/Reverse Shot and The 180-Degree Rule. I researched these editing techniques and found this information. I have also added examples :-).

Match On Action

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR3LXTIKfTM&NR=1

Match On Action editing is when a scene is being filmed, and the camera cuts from one shot to another. The events do not change, the same thing and event is still being filmed, jus it is viewed from a different perspective. For example, a long shot could show somebody walking out of a door and then the camera cuts to a mid shot of that person emerging on the other side. This is a form of continuity editing. This editing is used in a lot of films, such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KosalrWi7Is (04:50 - 04:55)

Shot/Reverse Shot

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLkUHZ1qips

Shot/Reverse Shot is typically a shot of one person looking at another person, who usually cannot be seen in the shot. The camera then cuts to a shot of the other person looking back at the first. The characters are usually facing the opposite direction so the audience instantly assume they are looking at each other. It is a form of continuity editing. Shot/Reverse Shot can be seen in films such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA6yh8pDM8s&feature=related (04:30 – 04:35)

180-Degree Rule

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBPw9C57TuU&feature=related

When describing the 180-degree rule, it is best to imagine a circle surrounding them. The line cutting through the middle of this circle is called the 180-degree line, and to stay in the 180-degree rule the camera must not cross this line. It basically means that the characters in the same scene must maintain their left/right relationship as not to confuse the audience. If the camera does cross this line, it is known as a reverse shot, as it has “crossed the line”. The 180-degree rule is carried out in many movies such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPhYhKdJ7k (both duels)