What Types of Editing Techniques are Found in Continuity Editing?

The role of the film editor is to perform their edits and corrections to the film. In such a way that the audience will never notice. It’s definitely not to say that the editor’s job is unimportant. Because it’s incredibly important! It’s just that, the editor is supposed to incorporate different editing techniques and for continuity purposes. The audience should never be able to pinpoint where the edits are occurring. To assume this illusion of perfection, continuity editing employs various techniques. But exactly what types of editing techniques are found in continuity editing?

Many! Firstly, filmmaking is an incredibly complex process, and post-production editing is nothing short of chaotic at times.

Many different editing techniques are utilized. In order to achieve continuity as the film progresses logically through the events of the story. In such a way that the audience will never notice how much work actually goes into each shot, scene, and on-screen interaction that takes place.

Let’s take a look at the different types of continuity editing and the different editing techniques that can be used to ensure continuity of a film.

Continuity Editing Techniques

Continuity editing represents the unique system of editing a film in order to maintain consistent time and space from one scene or shot to the next.

Sometimes referred to as three-dimensional continuity. This style of editing establishes a clearly defined and structured narrative. While grounding the audience in the reality of the narrative.

In simple terms, the editor pays close attention to elements in every shot or scene that should logically coincide with one another in future scenes so as to ensure progression of time and space.

The most common types of continuity editing include:

• Graphic Continuity Editing – Graphic continuity editing techniques are used when shots are joined together to create a sense of similarity between compositional elements of color, shape, or object.
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• Rhythmic Continuity Editing – Rhythmic continuity editing techniques are used to maintain the perceived rhythm or rate and regularity of movements. Within the scene, series of shots, or the sound. Moreover, rhythmic continuity can be used to create mood or specific emotions within the scene.
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• Spatial Continuity Editing – Spatial continuity editing techniques are used to connect two points in space in some way either through similarity, development, or difference by reinforcing spatial relations through various editing techniques.

Editing Techniques for Continuity

As specified in spatial continuity editing, various editing techniques are used to reinforce spatial relations when editing films.

Over the years, many different effects and techniques have been developed. For the purpose of inferring connections between various points in space or scene within a film.

The most common editing techniques found in spatial continuity editing include:

• The Kuleshov Effect
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• Motion Vector Lines
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• Eye-Line Match
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• 180 Degree Rule
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• Shot Reverse Shot
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• The Cheat Cut
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• Match Action

Depending on the Editor

Furthermore, spatial continuity can be achieved through various editing techniques. Depending on the individual elements of the film and the creativity of the editor.

So to answer the question, “What types of editing techniques are found in continuity editing?” Many different techniques are used depending on the individual footage and the creative skills of the editor.