Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is a technique used where cutting is used to create a clear narrative to the audience. Shots such as establishing shots, two shots, and cross cutting is often used in continuity editing.

During the clip from EastEnders, Who is Kat’s lover, there is evidence of master shots, of four characters, Kat, Max, Derek and Jack. This builds suspense for the audience, because they are now aware of all four potential lovers but do not know who Kat was just talking to. During the Spooks sequence that Kiah, Laura and I constructed we placed the shot of the location first, or the establishing shot first, because this is traditionally used at the beginning of a sequence so the audience are able to recognise where the action is taking place. 

We also put an establishing shot of the office in, before a cutaway to some action, which then cross-cut to some action of the “thieves”. This was to avoid a jump cut, because we then put a re-establishing shot of the office in as it cut back to the action in the office, which was happening at the same time.

In both our sequence of Spooks and the original version parallel and intercutting occurs, which is used to show action happening at the same time, as well as to build suspense amongst the audience. In both the EastEnders sequence and the Spooks sequence, as these are professional sequences both the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule would not be broken. During both our Spooks sequence and the professional Spooks sequence a two shot is used to establish the primary characters in the office to the audience.

During the EastEnders sequence, the only dialogue is Kat speaking on the phone. 

Typically in continuity editing, characters is conversation is a classic example of reverse shots and dialogue, as when the characters speak the camera will focus on either characters, either for a reaction or to see what they are saying.


Our Spooks sequence has correctly used the establishing shot, two shots and re-establishing shots, as well as the use of intercutting. However, the sequence would not work as some of the shots happen before others, and the narrative had been mixed up.

Our Spooks sequence