Continuity Editing Techniques:

The three key techniques:
For both the preliminary task and main task, it was made clear that we needed to include the three editing techniques, the 180-degree rule, match on action, and shot reverse shot. Therefore, I am looking at and analysing these techniques, so we can apply them to our own creations. These editing techniques work in different ways to convey ideas to the audience, and they especially work well in the thriller genre for a number of reasons.

The 180-degree rule:
This technique shows the spatial relationship between two characters, facing each other, usually engaging in dialogue. Around these two people, lays an imaginary circle, known as the axis; it is split into two, making two 180-degree semi-circles. The camera is then placed on one side, and sits anywhere on the axis, which captures the couple from a range of angles. This creates an effect of the audience connecting with the on screen action and background happenings; allowing them to feel more immersed in the scene. However, if the camera 'jumps the line' to the other side (known as the red side), the couples positioning (person 1 on the left, person 2 on the right) will be switched over, which can disorientate the audience. This can be useful to create effects and ideas for the audience to feel psychologically, for example if a character is intoxicated with drugs, alcohol, or even in a messed up dream, perhaps. Focusing on the green side (the side you chose to film on first) you create and develop ideas for that viewpoint. So if you abandon this side with a reverse cut, you are forcing an opposing perspective on the audience, limiting them to orientate themselves in a scene, consequently meaning they might feel trapped, less engaged and could lose focus. Another rule regarding the axis, is that the closer the camera is placed to the axis, the more emotionally involved the audience will be. As there seems to be more dialogue in thriller films, this 180-degree rule is used a lot with shot reverse shots, and using continuity editing, as this captures the scene smoothly, with no jolty distractions from the narrative. 
Heres some examples of the 180-degree rule:

This example is from the thriller film "The shining" (dir. Stanley Kubrick- 1980) which demonstrates the 180-degree rule, breaking of the rule, and a subject walking up and down the imaginary line which separates the two axis'. At first the camera repeatedly breaks the rule with starts to disorientate the audience, this makes the conversation that occurs seem even more disturbing. At the same time, the audience start to become more immersed with the use of the 180-degree rule.

Match on Action:
This technique (which is also known as 'cutting on action') is effective in distracting the audience from the cut or any continuity errors. The first scene or shot sets a pace and direction , and the following scene or shot continues it smoothly, even though the two scenes would be set at different places, this features links them together. The use of match on action creates the impression that continuous time is achieved, this forms a visual bridge between the scenes. The effect of this can be that any ideas created in the first scene can be carried along to the next.  A clever example would be from the popular tv series 'Game of Thrones'
Here is the video clip I edited, I cut the scenes from S2, E9:

 where in the first scene after the opening credits, a fleet of battles ships sail along, taken by the windy sea breeze This wind movement of the wind is carried on in the next shot, where Cersei stands close to the open window, wind blows through, waffling the curtains, as she talks to the wise old man. 

Shot reverse shot:
A strong feature of the classical Hollywood style of continuity editing, shot reverse shots usually include two characters conversing for example, where the camera angle flicks between two points, facing one character at a time while they speak.  Over the shoulder shots are commonly used in this editing technique. Shot reverse shots work well in thrillers, as they can represent dialogue, and perplexing ideas/perspectives.This takes away the audiences attention from the discontinuity, and refocuses it on the narrative. As well  making the on screen action feel realistic and easy to understand, immersing them in the actual scene and making any ideas clearer. 
For an example of this feature, look at the GOT extract above:

For a personal example exploring these three key continuity techniques, take a look at my preliminary task's final piece- which will be my next blog post.