Editing Techniques, Camera Angles and Shot Types

Editing Techniques

• Straight cut 

The most common transition. No special effects are used so it is as discreet as possible and does not disrupt the flow of the narrative.

• Jump cut 

Two similar shots with a slight variation in the angle, they look too alike to be obviously different scenes and look choppy so are not used as often. When they are used it is often to disorientate the viewer. 

• When there is a clear change of scene:

-Fade in/ fade out
-Fade in/ out to/ from black or white
-Dissolve
-Wipe

Shot Types

• Match on Action

Different camera angles focus on the same subject, and are edited to show how the action is finished from the previous shot, connecting the movement. Match on action shots act as a "visual bridge".

• 180 Degree Rule

Visual demonstration of the 180 Degree Rule, Source

The 180° Rule is a guideline to avoid the shot changing the perspective and looking as if the characters have moved. This looks unrealistic and causes confusion from the viewer. The idea is that there is an imaginary "line of action" across the set  that should not be crossed throughout the scene. The camera can be placed anywhere around the 180° arc surrounding the line of action, however if it is crossed, the camera angle will make the subject appear reversed.

• Shot reverse shot

The 180° rule can be applied to shoot reverse shots, a technique used when two characters are talking to each other. Instead of using a two shot, which can often make it harder to see details, one character will look at the other off screen, and when the other responds the camera focuses on them, looking off screen. They are facing opposite directions, giving the effect that they are looking at each other as they have the conversation. 

Camera Angles

Created with Padlet