Classical Continuity, em, 2

So, Porter had discovered the basics of the classical system.

There are a bunch of tools at your disposal in the classical system.  And, lets face it, people expect to see them when they watch a film.

Before them, a quick definition.  This isn't great, but its a good way to remember it.

Continuity film making is when you don't notice the editor telling you a story and you don't notice you're being told a story, you simply watch, and enjoy.

There is a tonne of stuff online and in books about continuity editing, go research.

Here's a few of the techniques of continuity editing.

180 degree rule
shot reverse shot
establishing shots
eye line match
match on action
cross or parallel cutting

Here's a voice over on V for Vendetta which explains some of these techniques.  After cross cutting there is another two minutes where he doesn't say anything, so don't hang about.

Sorry, couldn't embed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xauSCz1mEk&feature=related

Here's a bunch of continuity errors which proves that as long as the emotion is in the right place, the audience probably won't notice - so take a chance and don't be afraid!

http://youtu.be/RJ0v5H3Uctw