Match On Action Technique

Hello!

Another technique for you today; Match On Action! I hadn't heard of this technique before my lesson today, and the name didn't give away much for me! But it came quite naturally after learning about Shot Reverse Shot as they are very similar, which I struggled to see the difference of. 

Match On Action is an editing technique used in continuity editing in which one shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. This creates the impression of a sense of continuity - the action carrying through creates a visual bridge which draws the viewer's attention away from slight cutting or continuity issues. It portrays a continuous sense of the same action rather than matching two separate things, it pulls the action together and gives it a flow.

As I said, I struggled to see the difference between this and Shot Reverse Shot. But, there is a big difference! In Shot Reverse Shot, you have to go from one shot, to another, back to first. With this shot, you go from one shot, to another, to another (NOT THE FIRST) all on a piece of action. So just replace Shot Reverse Shot's step three with just another shot from another angle and you've pretty much got the idea! 

I personally prefer the Match On Action Technique compared to Shot Reverse Shot and Over the Shoulder Shot after learning about it today. This is because I think it is more interesting. Although Shot Reverse Shot does have an effect, I think going back to the same shots over and over is less interesting than doing a range of completely different shots on one piece on action. I agree that Shot Reverse Shot is the best to use in conversations, but on any other piece of action, Match On Action wins my vote!

We then went away to create a short clip that contained both shot revers shot and match on action in, to practise the shots and ensure we knew the difference. I will attach my groups video here - Enjoy!

See you soon!