Continuity in film

Continuity in filming is very important because it allows us to immerse ourselves in the film. If the continuity of the film is broken it can completely destroy  the immersion of the film, and it makes the audience confused about what is going on in the film. There are several rules and shot types that must be followed as if they are not then it can break the continuity of the film. Examples include the 180° rule, the rule of thirds, shot reverse shot and eye line matching.

180° Rule

The 180° rule in film making says that the camera  cannot move past the 180° line. If this rule is broken the audience will be confused as it looks like the character is talking to them self. This is the most important rule as if it is broken it can instantly ruin a film.

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds in film making means that the character that is in shot should be in the 1st or 3rd third of the shot.  

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot reverse shot is a filming technique where the camera alternates between one character and another. This is usually used during conversations in a film.

Eye Line Match

Eye line match in an editing technique used in film making. It is where the camera will cut to a shot of what the character is looking at or interacting with.