Continuity / Non Continuity

definition: Continuity editing is the predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post-production process of filmmaking of narrative films and television programs. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.

Continuity

continuity is a way to smoothen out different shots so that it look as if it has just happen ill in once go using different shots to make this believable. such as someone walking down the stairs. so what you would do would be to film him about to start waddling down the stairs then get a shot of only the feet walking down the stairs then get a shot of the character finishing walking down the stairs. another example involved the 180 degree rule. this is used when two character are opposite each other the camera cannot pass a line that is place in the middle of the two character if the imaginary line is passed it can cause confusion for the audience as it would look as if the two characters are looking in the same direction which will throw off the audience.

Non Continuity

non continuity editing is where shots are purposely not match to disturb the linear time and space. this will cause confusion or disturb the feeling of reality on the screen by drawing attention to the process of cutting.

Jump Cuts: two different shot/camera angles of the same character. the subject will not be in the same position as the last shot taken to make it look as if the character has jumped disturbing the time line making look as if time was missed.

Cross cut: this is were you would cutting between different locations and settings creating a feeling that everything is happening at the same time.

montage: this is where different shot of location, setting or time periods in a film which are put into one sequence this could be used to show time passing or show a sequence of event happening.

flashbacks/forward: a shot/scene added into the narrative this will take the viewer out of the current time in the movie to give backstory or represent event that may be coming in the future or to recount previous events.