Remtech Studio

Next Level Multimedia Tutorials

COA Cutting on Action

WHAT IS IT?

Cutting on action or matching on action refers to film editing and video editing techniques where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot’s action. A common example is a man walking up to a door and reaching for the knob.  

LEARN ALL ABOUT COA BELOW

RESOURCE

STEP 01: FORM A GROUP

Form a group no more than 5

CHALLENGE: CREATE YOUR SCENARIO

Using google docs, share it with the rest of your group and come up with ideas/ SCENARIOS for a cutting on action sequence. See the examples below of student work.

STUDENT EXAMPLES COA

Finalize your film idea:

You must finalize your story for the Cutting on Action. If you can’t figure out an idea, you must use the scenario below:

Scenario: Character walks through a door, picks up garbage, tosses it into the garbage can, and leaves.

PARAMETERS/ LIMITATIONS:

  • Only one character in the movie.
  • Everyone must contribute ideas.
  • The idea must be limited to within school.
  • Location should be accessible to be filmed at any point.
  • The short film should be no more than 2 mins in length and no shorter than 30 seconds.
  • Your film must have music and no talking.
  • You must also have a title card and end card.
  • You must submit your scenario before step 2 of creating your shot lists.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO MOVE ONTO STEP 2 BELOW:

STEP 02: SHOT LIST

Download your SHOT LIST from below.

DOWNLOAD SHOT LIST HERE
Fill it in and submit for approval before filming your COA Video

STEP 03: FILM & EDIT TIME

DO NOT FORGET THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO EDIT YOUR OWN SEQUENCE. You must shoot and help your group capture all the shots before everyone sits down and edits their own COA.

BONUS: MATCH CUT

If you would like to obtain a bonus mark, have a look at match cuts. Consider adding a MATCH CUT to your final film.

SUBMISSION: READ CAREFULLY

Submit your final video as a link to a folder with all of your documents as listed below:

  1. Scenario Google Doc
  2. Shot List
  3. Final Video in MPEG format 1920 X 1080.

PEER AND SELF EVALUATION

Below is a class critique of the final films.

Each production team screens its finished film for the entire class for feedback. Some questions to consider:

  1. Did the film communicate the script?
  2. Did it communicate the rising tension and relief?
  3. What could you shoot differently?
  4. What would make your film more understandable?
  5. What would give your film more emotional impact?