Filming & Editing Task: Door Sequence

Given the task was to use continuity editing to document the transition of a person approaching one door and passing through another, we needed careful planning to ensure that the edit was smooth. We could also add some copyright free music of our choice, which we believed fit with the sequence.

Often an integral device in continuity editing is the use of the 180 degree rule, my illustration below. The 180 degree rule can be described as the relationship between either a couple, or a person with an object. The axis, shown as the dotted line in the diagrams below, is an imaginary line which the camera should remain one side of to create a convincing continuity edit. Keeping on one side, in front, and behind the person/object aids the consistency of the scene, hence not disorientating the viewer.

As this video would involve a match on action edit, it was very important to include the 180 degree rule, acting as a visual bridge which will distract away from the various edits. Revisiting the speed/duration control from the Transition Music Video, we decided to reverse the whole clip to draw attention to the use of this rule.

As the task was to include a match on action cut documenting the opening of two separate doors to appear seamless through continuity editing, we wanted to think hard as to how we could blend each movement. Firstly, we had to find two separate doors which open the same way, as to maintain the visual axis of the 180 degree rule. Then, we had to decide on what camera angles would fit best with the movement of the door opening.

As seen in the sequence above, a medium shot was maintained for both shots to keep a consistent framing across the edit. We decided on a shot-reverse-shot sequence between a medium shot behind the character > match on action > medium shot in front of the character, of which is another device used in continuity editing. To further smooth this edit, we matched the movement of the door opening with an outwards zoom, which we found surprisingly successful in the edit.

If I was to repeat this task, I would pay particular attention to the exposure of each shot, to further the continuity in the aesthetic of the visuals. As we decided to move from outside to inside, the ambient light was different in each situation, and whilst we did change the exposure for the second sequence, there is still a clear contrast in the exposure of these two shots.

In order to add variety to the scene, we also included POV shot, long shot, medium shot, pan, and extreme close up to vary and challenge each edit. Also, by utilising each channel on the timeline in Premiere Pro, we were able to include a split screen which can be developed upon in future tasks.