Editing Techniques

Match on Action

A match on action is an editing technique which shows an action being completed over multiple shots, typically with the action in the first shot, and the result of the action in the second shot.

An example occurs in this clip of Kill Bill at 1.25 through three shots.

Shot - Reverse Shot

A shot reverse shot is a technique which typically shows a conversation, cutting back and forth between two shots, one of each character, that stays within the 180 degree rule. As the characters are facing in opposite directions in the shots from their perspective, it is assumed by the audience that they are having a conversation

An example of this in Inglourious Basterds starts with the conversation at 0.29.

180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is a rule used for continuity editing that places an imaginary line passing through two characters. The camera is only allowed to stay on that side of the line and crossing the line would be disorientating to the audience. It means that both of the characters stay on one side of the shot, while crossing the line would mean they switch sides.

An example of following the 180 degree rule is in this scene from Death Proof.