What type of editing creates a seamless flow of action between shots?

Continuity editing is a technique used in film to create a smooth and coherent flow of action between shots, ensuring that the narrative is easy to follow. This form of editing adheres to the principles of maintaining spatial and temporal consistency, allowing the audience to remain engaged without drawing attention to the editing itself.

By focusing on match on action, eye-line matches, and establishing shots, continuity editing creates a logical progression that maintains the illusion of continuous time and space. For instance, if a character starts an action in one shot and then moves to another location, continuity editing will seamlessly connect these actions so that it feels smooth and natural, rather than jarring or disjointed. This approach emphasizes clarity and storytelling, making it vital for filmmakers who wish to maintain the audience's suspension of disbelief.

In contrast, other editing techniques serve different purposes. Montage editing often involves the juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated images to create meaning, cross-cutting usually indicates an intertwining of different scenes or timelines, and jump cutting tends to disrupt the continuity, making the transition between shots feel abrupt.