Media I: Proficiency - Matched Cut or Cutting on the Action

Cutting the action allows you the opportunity to make your productions more interesting

through in-camera editing. The trick is to make the shots appear seamless by CONTINUING

actions through shots. Best way is to shoot the COMPLETE action three times, stressing

IDENTICAL actions. Make sure to use the camera feature to re-watch each shot – and

match.

Shoot a sequence of someone walking through a door use the following shots:

-A wide shot (WS) behind the person with the door in front of them; shoot this

person walking to the door and cut on the action of them reaching for the

doorknob and grabbing it.

-A EXTREME close-up (XCU) of the door knob without the person’s hand in the shot;

have the person’s hand come into the shot, turn the handle and begin open

the door.

-A medium shot (MS) from the other side of the door of the person coming through

the doorway

Shoot each shot before and through the action. Then , edit on each action.

Write your own three-shot sequence to show these cuts on the action – REMEMBER –

EACH SEQUENCE NEEDS THREE SHOTS

1. Use “cutting on the action” to show someone getting a drink.

First – WS, Second – XCU, Third - MS

2. Use “cutting on the action” to show someone scratching their face.

First – WS, Second – XCU, Third - MS

3. Use “cutting on the action” to show someone tying their shoe.

First – WS, Second – XCU, Third - MS

4. Use “cutting on the action” to create one shot sequence of your own.

First – WS, Second – XCU, Third – MS