Match On Action

Match On Action - this is an editing technique that is compatible with continuity editing. Specifically match on action is where action/movement from one shot begins in one shot and it completed in a different shot.

This video provides an example of a match on action shot.















This is my own footage and editing to demonstrate how I understand match on action.
Match on action is essential when editing as it provides continuity because actions started in one shot continue into another, allowing the audience to perceive the text as more realistic and enjoyable.
My task was to create a video demonstrating an example of match on action, I decided to simply film someone walking up the stairs. The simplest part of the process was filming because two cameras were used, both cameras filmed the entire walk up the stairs. One camera was placed at the top of the stairs, in which the character would be walking towards, and the second was placed at the bottom of the stairs, in which the character would be walking away from. The purpose of this task was to improve my ability and match on action technique in order to improve my editing skills to produce the best match on action  in my horror film opening possible.

The editing was more challenging because the clip had to look smooth and as well as be a match on action it had to be continuity edited in order for it to look realistic. To ensure this, when editing I counted the character to take six steps to be half way up the staircase, and between the 6-7th step I carefully cut across to the perspective of the other camera at the top of the stairs.

Through this process I have learnt that it is useful to use two cameras when filming match on action. this is useful because it allows for continuity, so that should there be any editing problems you have the option to change the way of editing.

If there was any way in which I could improve upon my techniques, I would consider using three cameras so that I could attempt to create a longer action clip. For example I could have set up another camera at the bottom of the second flight of stairs so that i could demonstrate my understanding of match on action further. I will consider this when making my horror opening.

This technique practice will help when it comes to filming and editing my horror film opening as my piece is likely to be more realistic and enticing to watch if the character's actions and movements are smooth and follow onto the next cut. I believe this will allow for my horror film opening to appear more conventional and realistic.