Match On Action

Match on action is a media technique used to make the sequence flow and create continuity. It is when the perspective of the camera changes during the shot, however it must keep the shot flowing smoothly. Match on action helps to create realistic movement. As a class we were shown this example of match on action so we could understand it properly. When Monica and Chandler kiss the camera angle changes, but the way it is edited means that its continuity has not been effected:

Next, I had to film my own example of match on action. It is a sequence of someone walking up the stairs, first from the bottom of the stairs, but then the angle changes to the top of the stairs. Before filming we had to think about the position of the camera and that while filming the camera is not visible in the film. We also had to take into account the lighting and the miss-en-scene in the shot.

The simplest part of the activity was the actual scenario of walking up the stairs and the positioning of the camera. As the movement wasn't hard to do the task was quite easy and simple, and the bend in the stairs made it simple to keep the camera out of sight. Also editing it to make it realistic and continuous. It was difficult to cute the scene so that the continuity was accurate as it had to be precise to the number of steps taken. 

During both the filming and editing of the preliminary task, I have learnt techniques that will help me in the actual product. Match on action has been effective in terms of keeping continuity and making the film realistic.

180 Degree Rule and Shot Reverse Shot

The 180 Degree Rule
The 180 degree rule allows continuity while filming. For example, when two characters are facing each other talking, an invisible circle can be drawn around them with a straight line cutting directly in the middle, where the two characters should be positioned. The camera stays on only one side of the line so the characters have the same eye line match and the same characters stay on the same side. For example, character A always stays on the left, and character B always stay on the right.
If the line is broken, the shot will look like both characters are facing in the same direction and are not looking at each other and the editing will be difficult and inconsistent.

Shot Reverse Shot
Shot reverse shot is an editing technique in which you do not see the camera move between shots, which creates pace and makes the sequence flow smoothly. For example, the camera will be filming character A, and then will cut to character B, before cutting back to character A again. Since one of the characters are usually off-screen, it implies that the characters are looking at each other and this creates continuity in the shot.

I have created the script below to follow for my demonstration of shot reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.

The Script

Character A: "Hey, how were your lessons?"
Character B: "They were good thanks, I don't have homework today. How about you?"
Character A: "Hmm, they were okay thanks, can't wait to get home. I got a detention in English today."
Character B: "Oh really? That sucks!" 
Character A: "Yeah oh well I don't like English anyway."
Character B: "Do you want to go McDonald's after school then?"
Character A: "Oh yeah! I could do with a burger!"
Character B: "Mmmm lets go then."

Here I demonstrate the 180 degree rule:



Evaluation
During the filming of this 180 degree rule and reverse shot, it didn't take long to realise that it was an effective technique to use. One good thing about this technique is that it makes it easy for the audience to view and to keep track of the conversation easily.

However, on the other hand, there were issues we faced while filming. For example, the lighting of the clip wasn't as well lit as it could have been, as it was artificial. If I was to do it again, I would take more time into thinking about the lighting and maybe shoot outside so that natural lighting could be effective, and therefore improve the overall video.

Another issue of the video is the editing. The characters have not finished speaking when the cuts take place, making it inaccurate. Therefore the continuity of the editing is not as good as it could be, so the video is unnatural. Therefore, if I was to film this again, I would pay more attention to the cuts so it doesn't overlap with anybody.

However, one good thing about the video is that it obeys the rule of 180 degree shot, meaning that the characters are on the same side, meaning that the conversation is broken down and flows easily between the same characters, making the narrative clear.