Continuity and narrative structure

Continuity in Post-Production

Continuity in film is the logical sequence of events that guide the audience through the story.
Essential for maintaining the ‘suspension of disbelief’ necessary in narrative storytelling.
Miscontinuity or a break in continuity can jolt the audience out of the narrative, reminding them they are watching a constructed piece.

Continuity Errors

Common types include changes in props, costume or set design, character positioning, or lighting conditions between shots.
Once an inconsistency is spotted, it’s very difficult for an audience to un-see it.

Continuity Techniques

Strategies to maintain continuity include the 180-degree rule, 30-degree rule, shot reverse shot, eyeline match, and match cut.
The 180-degree rule maintains spatial orientation by keeping the camera on one side of an imaginary line.
The 30-degree rule states that the camera should move at least 30 degrees between shots of the same subject to avoid jump cuts.
Shot reverse shot is used in dialogue scenes to show both speakers in a conversation, maintaining continuity by keeping the positioning and eyelines consistent.
An eyeline match cuts from a character looking at something to what they are looking at, preserving spatial continuity.
A match cut transitions between two similar visual elements, seamlessly joining different parts of the narrative.

Narrative Structure in Post-Production

Linear Narrative Structure

The most common form of narrative structure, presenting events in chronological order.
Editors must stitch together footage in a way that makes time seem to flow naturally, even though shots may have been filmed out of order.

Non-linear Narrative Structure

Presents events out of order, asking the audience to piece together the sequence of events.
Techniques include flashbacks, flashforwards, and parallel editing.
Flashbacks and flashforwards show events from the past or future, offering additional information that can change the audience’s understanding of the present.
Parallel editing (or cross-cutting) shows multiple narrative threads occurring at the same time.

Manipulating Time in Post-Production

Editors can manipulate the passage of time through techniques like montage and slow motion.
A montage quickly conveys the passage of time or a series of events, often with thematic connections.
Slow motion prolongs a moment, allowing the audience to examine it in more detail, often to increase tension or emotional impact.

Remember, successful post-production depends on maintaining continuity and crafting a narrative structure that serves your story. The editor plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s understanding of time and space within the film.