Match on action explanation

Match on action

A match on action is a handy trick to use if you wish to create a smooth flowing clip that gives the audience a heightened awareness of what is happening and the environment around that action. Although it seems easy, it is also of paramount importance that you get it right otherwise it can make your work look sloppy and unrefined. The best way to carry out this particular technique is to straight cut from one shot revealing the context to the second shot focusing on the specific part on screen that it carrying out the action (e.g. a hand picking up a glass). But it doesn't have to be done this way. You can also achieve success with match on action by having your first shot on the action, and then cutting to a second shot that has a larger camera angle and reveals more about the context in the frame. Although most match on actions have the second shot fairly close (either an ECU, CU or BCU) you don't necessarily have to have a close up shot of the action taking place. These pictures demonstrate a step by step account as to how a match on action is achieved effectively.