Continuity Editing and Montage Editing

There are two diversely different approaches to editing, continuity editing and montage theory. I will look into depth about both of these editing techniques and find out the similarities and difference if any. Also i will state my own opinion and feeling on which editing technique I feel works the best and produces the best and most successful outcome of a short film. This also will aid my research in film editing as i will need to also edit my short film, having done research on these different types will give me a wider range of knowledge.

 

Continuity Editing (Classical Continuity)

 



The simple definition of 'Continuity Editing' is the way shots go together to create a seamless chain of events. However for good continuity, all of the strategies need to be looked at closely during the shooting footage. Once raw material (filming) as been created, editing techniques provide further means for binding the scenes together so the film runs easily and smoothly for the audience. Continuity editing aims to hide or at least minimize the shift from one cut to the next, and as a clear result of making the edit seems as 'transparent' as possible. This technique has several component parts and shots which I am about to talk about individually.

 

- Shot Reverse Shot

 

Is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are looking at each other.

 

-180 Degree Rule

 

The 180 degree rule is not a law, many notable filmmakers intentionally cross the line to achieve a desired effect that might support the stories narrative.

 

-Graphic Match

 

Is a cut in film editing between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which objects in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorically.

 

 

-Establishing Shots

 

An establishing shot establishes the setting of a scene. When we see a shot of the sun setting behind the exterior of a building, and then we cut to the inside of that building where our scene takes place, we have seen an establishing shot.

Montage Theory

Montage editing is a process of cutting up the whole film which is created and editing it into a screened sequence. It is sometimes used to consciously evoke subjective messages through the shots which are related in composition or movement.