VL: Ch. 17 Definitions

editing syntax

prescribes how to arrange individual shots so that they combine into meaningful scenes and sequences

sequencing

assembling shots so that they form a unified whole

syntax of continuity editing

editing conventions and techniques primarily used for seamless visual sequences and narrative flow

editing

selecting significant event details and sequencing them into a comprehensive whole

continuity editing

the assembly of shots that ensure vector and vector field continuity

graphic vector continuity principle

a character's placement or horizon line, etc must remain consistent across a series of shots

continuing indesc vectors

characters are seen looking in a certain direction, the next shots must show them looking in the same direction

180 degree rule

Filming and editing so that all shots in a scene are from the same side of an imaginary straight line running between the scene's major subjects.

converging index vectors

characters looking towards each other must continue looking at each other across cuts

diverging index vectors

characters looking away from each other (in opposite directions) must remain consistent across cuts

index vector - target object continuity

the general location, direction, and action of "target objects remain consistent (ex: using toys to explain a concept to the audience)

successive z-axis index vectors

if we see two characters looking towards each other, we can assume they still are, even if shown a shot of only one character

BAC Positioning

With the host (A) in the middle, cutting to two-shots (BA and AC) will switch the screen position of the host.

ABC Positioning

By placing the host (A) to one side of the guests (B and C), the subsequent close-ups maintain the screen positions of host and guests and their converging index vectors.

vector line

an imaginary line, parallel to the camera, created by extending converging index vectors or a motion vector; to preserve continuity, all cameras must be on one or the other side of this line

over-the-shoulder (O/S) shooting

the camera looks over the camera-near person's shoulder (shoulder and head included in shot) at another person

crossing the line

Breaking the 180º rule typical of continuity editing; destabilizes the viewer

continuing motion vectors

if you choose a direction for motion, the motion must continue in that direction (ex: people walking in certain direction must continue walking in the same direction)

converging motion vectors

after an establishing shot, we interpret motion as two characters moving towards each other in later shots

diverging motion vectors

after an establishing shot, we interpret motion as two characters moving away from each other in later shots

z-axis motion vectors

z-axis shots break up a scene so that continuity doesn't seem broken (ex: shots in cars)

motion vector line

Any motion vector other than a z-axis vector helps establish the motion vector line.

Your camera must go on one side or the other of the line to maintain continuity (180 line rule)

color continuity

Keep colors and lighting consistent between shots unless you change the event to a different place or time; plan for color correction post-production

appearance continuity

maintaining the appearance of props in scenes in between shots/across takes (ex: food/drink levels)

audio continuity

maintaining consistent audio levels across shots, even if circumstances may demand otherwise

subject continuity

The viewer should be able to recognize a subject or an object from one shot to the next.

action continuity

cutting from one shot to the next in the middle of an action