Classical style- dominant model of fictional film making in the USA during a specific time period (1927-1960). It operates to a series of conventions:

1. Storytelling- all cinematic techniques should be used to tell a story.

2. Realism- viewers believe in the film.

3. Invisibility of the apparatus- technique should look invisible, so it looks seamless.

4. Glamour- makeup & costume, lighting.

5. Safe space/ spatial integration- Space and time is easily navigated/ understandable.

Continuity editing follows a linear format. It makes the shots flow well.

Editing techniques for continuity:

• 180 degree rule- staying in between 180 degrees when cutting from one shot to another to stay on one side of the line of vision/ action.

• 30 degree rule- when moving the camera along one side of the 180 degree line, move the camera more than 30 degrees so that a jump cut is not made.

• Cutting on action- cutting from one shot to another when the subject is in motion.

• Shot reverse shot- cutting from one shot, to another, back to the first shot. Usually used in dialogue scenes.

• cutting on sound- cutting on a sudden noise, or a beat, or an interesting sound.

• Eye line matching- point of view shots motivates a cut.