Match-On-Action
Match on Action is a Camera technique of which film makers use when making three or more shots look like one flowing action. It's common in fight scenes and horrors where quick action is involved (such as a punch or running). The idea is to get one shot ,such as from the side of an Actor, then to cut to a different view (like over the shoulder) and then cut back to the original place. Match on Action is where you do this and make sure the Actor's movement is the same and matches when the camera changes. Here is an example for you from one of the good old Star Wars Films to make it clearer to understand :)
Here's another Match on Action that is more complex than the Star Wars clip above. It is a scene out of Daredevil - more importantly; a fight scene - which involves many MOAs and quick movement. This clip allows you to see MOA at a much faster pace.
Match on Action when it goes wrong can be DISASTROUS!!! And I'm speaking from experience - not just knowledge. If Match on Action goes wrong then you may end up with in one shot the character beginning to open a door, and then in the next shot either the character reopens it OR the character has zipped quickly through the door and the door is now closed. Match on Action must be smooth and clean.
If this goes wrong the effect on the viewer is basically that is pulls them from the film. It makes them realise what they are watching IS in fact a film (completely defying what film makers are aiming for) and makes them slightly confused as to what is happening. :/ Nottt good.
Here's a video showing Match on Action gone wrong:
Split edits and Straight cuts
There are two different types of cuts in filming; a straight cut and an L cut (split edit). Most cuts in films are presented as straight cuts; both audio and video alter at the same time as each other where as an L cut separates the two - audio overlaying onto a video that is separate. Basically the shape of a split edit makes an L; the change of the video whilst the audio remains the same for a while, however they can work backwards - the audio changing first whilst the video remains the same = e.g: somebody inside a house and the sound of a lorry passing outside without you seeing it is an example of an L cut.Whereas a straight cut would be that as soon as the lorry sound is heard, the video switches to depict a lorry passing by.
