Rules of Filming

Continuity Editing

A shot reverse shot is usually portrayed in films during a conversation between two characters in the movie and normally involves the supposed characters looking at each other during the dialogue and this leads the audience to assume that they are looking at each other. You as the audience are supposed to see what the characters see in the scene as the camera revolves around the characters.

The shot reverse shot is usually depicted with an over the shoulder shot of each character to help emphasize the dialogue between them and the fact that they are supposedly talking to eachother. The 180 degree rule is often associated with this type of shot as it is essential in a film to ensure that the audience constantly understand where each character is positioned in the scene.

The 180 degree rule refers to the alignment of characters in accordance to another character or object when they are interacted with in the setting of the scene. It is imperative that the object being filmed is always in the center of the shot whilst the camera is required to face towards the object.
Sometimes a break in the 180 degree rule is required to add effect to the scene being displayed, this may be used to create a lost feeling within a character which the audience can follow or for dramatic purposes if the story supports it.

The match on action shot refers to the films editing techniques in which the editor cuts from the original shot to another shot that matches the first shots actions. Match on action helps emphasize a continuity of time during the scene.

The Rule of thirds