Match-on-action

Match-on-action is a dual-shot (although, it can be a linkage of shots) put together through film and video editing, where the editor cuts from one shot another, to result in matching two pieces of the same action at the same moment - showing two different sides of that scene. By editing in this way, it is made for the audience to believe that motion or action continues uninterrupted. The footage could be shot hours, even days apart, however, this editing technique makes it appear differently. The second shot viewed matches the first shot’s action and ends it, hence match-on-action!

This technique is very useful in continuity editing, emphasising relationships between objects in a scene and the space surrounding them. The audience will interpret this space as a ‘continuous whole’, creating a visual bridge that distracts the audience from noticing the cut between two shot. To make the shots look seamless, every detail in the mise-en-scène must be in the same place during every take. Therefore, notes must be taken throughout shooting to avoid continuity errors between takes. The editor will then choose the best takes and cut them together.