From the smooth dialogue in Pulp Fiction to the time leaps in Inception, continuity editing is the unsung hero that keeps viewers engaged and oriented. Without it, characters teleport, objects mysteriously vanish, and transitions no longer make sense.
In this post, we’ll explore the magic of continuity editing and explain how you can use it to create coherent and immersive narratives.
What is continuity editing?
Continuity editing is a set of techniques that stitch together shots in a way that makes sense, ensuring that space, time, and action-related aspects of the film are consistent. It helps create a seamless narrative that audiences can follow without being distracted by inconsistencies or jarring transitions.
The origins of continuity editing can be traced back to the early 20th century, during the early years of cinema. Before continuity editing, films were mostly long, static shots with minimal camera movement. They were similar to theatrical plays until pioneers like D.W. Griffth and Edwin S. Porter came along.
Griffith’s 1915 film The Birth of a Nation was pivotal in showing how continuity between scenes could make an emotionally resonant narrative. Meanwhile, Porter’s The Great Train Robbery was one of the first to use cross-cutting and parallel editing to show simultaneous action in indifferent locations, laying the groundwork for modern continuity editing.
How do you do continuity in video editing?
Imagine a dialogue scene where after each transition the lighting changes and the characters are standing in different positions. It’s difficult to understand how long the conversation has gone on and you keep noticing obvious inconsistencies between shots—this is what every movie would look like without continuity editing.
To achieve continuity in video editing, you need to carefully arrange and sequence shots so that the narrative flow is easy to follow. Each cut should help viewers stay oriented and immersed in the film, with visual and temporal elements feeling realistic and believable.
There are three main types of continuity:
- Spatial continuity ensures that the orientation and relationships between characters, objects, and the environment are consistent from shot to shot.
- Temporal continuity makes sure that time progresses logically, giving a clear sense of chronological order to scenes.
- Action continuity guarantees that actions and physical movements are consistent and fluid between shots.
For each of these, there’s a set of established editing techniques that, when paired with meticulous attention to detail, can help you create an engaging and believable cinematic experience.
Important elements to use in your edit
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the specific techniques you can use to ensure continuity in your next project.
1. Eyeline matching
Eyeline matching ensures that the direction a character is looking in one shot matches what they are looking at in a subsequent shot. By keeping eyelines consistent, the audience understands where each character is focusing their attention.
To match eyelines, dialogue scenes are often shot from one side, with one character looking slightly left while the other looks slightly right. Alternatively, filmmakers might use over-the-shoulder shots, switching characters and maintaining the eyeline between shots.
For example, in The Silence of the Lambs, when Clarice Starling interviews Hannibal Lecter, the eyeline-match technique creates an unsettling connection between the characters. Clarice looks into the camera as if looking at Lecter, and then Lecter looks directly back.
2. Match on action
Match on action involves cutting from one shot to another while action is occurring. The goal is for actions to look natural and uninterrupted despite changing shots, keeping audiences immersed in the action.
For instance, in The Matrix, when Morpheus jumps from one rooftop and lands on the other, the action is split between two shots. The cut happens when Morpheus lands, switching immediately to a shot of the broken concrete beneath his feet.
3. 30-degree rule
The 30-degree rule says that when cutting between shots of the same subject, the camera should move at least 30 degrees between shots. It provides a noticeably different perspective or angle on the subject while avoiding a jarring visual shift from a jump cut (where the character appears to “jump” from one place to another).
Take a look at this example from Casablanca where Rick is sitting in his bar. Throughout the scene there are two camera angles—one is front on, and one is over 30 degrees to the side.
4. 180-degree rule
The 180-degree rule involves maintaining a camera position within a 180-degree arc on one side of the subjects, rather than filming from any angle. It maintains spatial orientation, helping the audience to follow interactions between characters.
Imagine two characters that are face to face. A line runs through both characters, with each side of the line showing the two characters from the side.
The problem is, if you take single shots from different sides of the line, it’ll look like both characters are looking in the same direction. By taking all shots from one side, you can maintain the orientation, keep the same lighting, and make the scene easier to follow.
This scene from Pride and Prejudice uses the 180-degree rule to show the conversation between Elizabeth and her sister, including over-the-shoulder shots (with eyeline matching) to maintain the orientation of them on the couch.
5. Parallel editing
Parallel editing, or cross-cutting, involves alternating between two or more scenes that are happening in different locations at the same time. It helps filmmakers build tension and draw connections between parallel storylines, creating a more complex narrative without losing the flow.
In The Godfather, parallel editing is used during the baptism scene to cut between Corleone at the church and at the execution of his enemies. The juxtaposition helps highlight the irony of the character and makes the scene far more intense.
6. Jump cuts
Jump cuts involve cutting between shots of the same subject from slightly different angles or at different times, causing a jarring shift. They’re often used to disrupt continuity, rather than to maintain it. For example, they can signify a lapse in time or show a character’s disorientation.
In Run Lola Run, jump cuts are used to show Lola’s panicked energy as she races against time to save her boyfriend.
7. Flashbacks
Flashbacks are scenes that take the narrative back in time to provide background information or context for present events. When executed well, flashbacks are clearly differentiated from the current timeline through visual or auditory clues. The audience knows what’s going on and can learn about character motivations or plot developments without getting confused.
Forrest Gump uses frequent flashbacks to show Forrest’s past experiences, like his childhood with Jenny. Sepia tones and distinct transitions show the viewer that the story has shifted to a different time, maintaining clear continuity.
8. Establishing shots
Establishing shots are generally wide or long shots that show the location of the scene and add context before moving in for closer shots of action or dialogue. These shots lay the groundwork for future scenes and help the audience understand the setting.
For example, in Friends, each episode typically begins with an establishing shot of the apartment where most of the scenes occur. The familiar visual cue orients the audience before diving into the character interactions and plot developments.
Long shots and close-ups
Long shots and close-ups are two cornerstone techniques used in almost every feature film. Long shots, also known as wide shots, provide a comprehensive view of the scene and introduce the audience to the setting.
These shots improve continuity by establishing context, letting the audience see where the action is taking place, and showing essential background information. They’re also effective transitions, helping the audience reorient to a new setting with a clear overview.
By setting the stage with long shots, it’s easier to place closer shots—like medium shots and close-ups—within the scene. This maintains flow and coherence between shots, making it easier for the audience to follow transitions.
On the other hand, close-ups complement long shots by taking the audience right into the action, showcasing small details and facial expressions in full view. These intimate views can help convey key emotions and crucial plot points.
Continuity and montage
Continuity editing and montage theory are two fundamentally different editing styles. While continuity editing tries to create a seamless chain of shots, montage theory aims to create emotional responses with strong juxtapositions and contrasting shots.
Pioneering montage filmmakers like Sergei Eisenstein rapidly cut between varied shots, often prioritizing symbolic meaning over narrative flow. Rather than making smooth and logical transitions, montage conveys complex ideas quickly, with more emotional impact.
The difference between continuity editing and montage theory is in their goals. Continuity editing is used to create narrative-focused films where the audience can follow and understand a story. In comparison, montage theory uses editing to provoke thought and evoke emotions through visual and thematic contrasts.
A foundational concept that bridges these two editing techniques is the Kuleshov Effect, which demonstrates the power of editing in shaping viewer perceptions.
Examples of continuity errors
From misplaced objects to wardrobe malfunctions, continuity errors occur all the time—even in high-budget feature films. In fact, some renowned directors like Martin Scorsese are known for disregarding continuity errors in favor of a great take, leading to small mistakes appearing in his films despite the skill of the film’s editors.
Here are three famous examples of continuity errors:
1. Pulp Fiction bullet holes
In Pulp Fiction, there are bullet holes in the wall behind Jules and Verne before the shooting takes place.
2. The Game of Thrones Starbucks cup
In the fourth episode of Game of Thrones Season 8, a Starbucks coffee cup is on the table beside John and Daenerys.
3. Mean Girls popcorn bowl
In the scene in Mean Girls where Janis and Damian are watching a movie, the popcorn bowl goes flying. One shot later, the popcorn bowl is magically full again.
Continuity and rhythm mismatch
Improper rhythm in editing occurs when the pacing of cuts doesn’t align with the natural flow or emotional tone of a scene. If the rhythm of cuts doesn’t match the scene, it can break immersion and create a jarring effect that’s difficult to follow.
For example, breaking up fast-paced action sequences with an extended, slow shot can feel unnatural and disrupt the flow of the sequence. Likewise, when cuts are overly rapid or mismatched during a dialogue scene, viewers might get distracted and miss important conversational details.
To avoid rhythm mismatch problems, try the following tricks:
- Understand the scene’s emotional tone. For tense moments, quicker cuts can help build suspension. In contrast, longer takes can allow emotions to resonate in reflective or dramatic scenes.
- Keep the pacing consistent. Don’t change the rhythm of cuts unless there’s good reason to. If you want to change the rhythm of cuts, do so gradually, building up the speed to increase intensity.
- Use music and sound cues. Leverage music and sound effects to guide your cuts. Syncing visual cuts with audio cues can create a much more engaging rhythm.
How to avoid continuity errors
It’s often easier to avoid continuity errors during the filming stage, with close attention to detail. Video pre-production planning tools like storyboards and detailed script notes can help maintain continuity before it gets to the editing stage.
However, continuity errors can still get through—so here are some best practices to help you deal with them:
Organize your footage
Before you start editing, properly label and organize all of your footage based on scenes, takes, and angles. Organization is a key video editing skill, so use a systematic approach to file management so that you can easily locate specific shots during the editing process.
Maintain a continuity log
Use a continuity log that details the specifics of each shot, like character positions, actions, and props. Consult the log during editing to make sure each of the shots remains consistent. Check for key details like whether an actor is wearing the same outfit or holding the same item in consecutive shots.
Use reference footage and stills
As you’re editing, continuously compare the shots you’re working on with reference footage or stills from earlier scenes. This approach will help you keep lighting, props, and character positions consistent between shots.
Implement cutaways and insert shots
Cutaways and insert shots can bridge potential continuity errors and smoothen transitions. Cutaways divert the viewer’s attention for a second, making slight changes in the main action less noticeable. If you find a minor continuity error, use a cutaway or a reaction shot of another character to distract the audience while maintaining the overall flow of events.
Review and collaborate
Regularly review your edits and collaborate with other team members, including the director and script supervisor if possible. The more eyes you get on the footage, the more chances you have to spot inconsistencies.
Continuity vs discontinuity
Continuity editing aims to make the editing process invisible, helping the viewer stay immersed in the story without being distracted by the mechanics of the film. Discontinuity editing does the opposite, intentionally disrupting the flow of a film and making the experience more jarring.
Discontinuity techniques like jump cuts, non-linear timelines, and abrupt shifts in perspective draw attention to the editing process itself, rather than trying to hide it. These effects can be effective in genres where the goal is to challenge conventional storytelling norms or to engage the viewer on a more intellectual level.
Filmmaker Christopher Nolan is well-known for using these techniques in his films such as Memento, The Prestige, and Inception. In the opening credits for Memento, the entire scene is played in reverse before abruptly jumping into a completely different scene in black and white, setting up the non-linear narrative of the film.
Improve continuity and create powerful videos with Storyblocks
Continuity editing is a cornerstone of cinematic storytelling, giving viewers a seamless and immersive journey. Mastering the principles of continuity (and knowing when to break the rules) can enhance your work and take audience engagement to the next level.
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