Blog 4 Covering Action and direction continuity
Blog 5 (next week) Covering Script continuity
So continuity, what is continuity?
Well it is self explanatory. On a professional set a continuity persons (script/continuity supervisor) job is to watch the actions and listen to the words of the actors. They also do a great deal more, but I am going to address continuity with the actor in mind. The two main points to cover in my experience are :-
- To make sure you, the actor is saying the right words in the right order every time. (Basically exactly what is written down on the script) (Blog 5)
- To get the actions to correspond with the script or direction given.
Why?
Because when we come to editing and I will try and give you a simple example to start with.
If we start with a wide shot in the editing suite and you are holding a cup in your right hand in which you are wearing a ring and a watch, and you put it down on the table in front of you and let’s say we want to go in on a close up on a different shot but in this shot you’re using your left hand without the watch and the ring, this means we would have to use the long shot or close up all the way through which probably lessens the impact of the shot.
You are probably saying now this would not happen to me, but it happens to every actor at some point in their careers. That is an obvious example, but there are many simple mistakes in continuity and also so many silly mistakes so please be aware of all your actions.
I think actors are unaware of all the takes that are taken on set in many different angles and places, and sometimes they can become complacent especially when we are on the 23rd take and the camera has now moved onto another actor, but you are still in the background. Somehow they don’t think they can be seen but it is still vitally important that you still carry out all directions and actions at the right time in the right place every time.
A couple of weeks ago I was shooting with a cast of young students from the age of 12 to 14 years. This I knew was going to be difficult, because I was doing the camera work and sound I couldn’t keep an eye on continuity. I had a student who had to get up and go over to another student and pull her hair. I had a number of difficulties in the fact that sometimes she walked over to the left of the student and then others to the right, not only did she do this but the girl in question was moving her head in different directions in every take. Not a good environment. So when I wanted to use a different edit the girl was not in the same place to where IÂ wanted to join both the takes, so a lot of that footage was not used. However I did get something I was happy with in the end but it probably took me much longer.
The students are learning still so they don’t know how important this is but hopefully they will read this 🙂
Simple examples and tips below.
We are looking at a shoot for one scene. The scene usually takes place on the same day in the actual film itself but could be filmed on a number of different days hence why continuity has to take priority!
Dress:
Must be the same clothes in one scene (unless you have to change). One scene maybe shot on different days. Make sure you have the same outfit with all the bits and pieces. Take a photograph.
Hairstyle:
Has to be the same. Take note ribbons and hair clips same side of the head and same colour.
Make up:
Same lipstick, eye shadow etc.
Shoes:
Must be the same
Nail varnish:
If you are wearing any, make sure you have it on all the time. (Don’t change the colour!!!)
Hat and gloves.
Tie.
Props:
Remember your props.
Jewellery.
Sit down and make a list of everything. As you go from location to location tick everything on your list. Take it with you!
Take a photograph of all the above.
Just to mention here facial hair and hair cuts for men.
Obviously try and maintain the same look. We did a scene recently where we had to film the same day in the film weeks apart. This was not a problem with the ladies but one young man, his hair had grown so much. I looked back on my continuity pictures and was very lucky to have had a hairdresser on set that day who she trimmed it, but it would have certainly looked out of place. It always makes our jobs easier if you are involved too and I would be really happy if you were coming to me and questioning it because it helps, it really does.
I am just covering a one camera shoot. There are many multi camera shoots i.e soaps. Continuity is still important but obviously the issues and complexities are going to be a lot less.
As I said earlier there will be somebody in charge of continuity, but it is best that you keep your wits about you also because mistakes are made. We don’t have luxury of having a continuity person every filming session so we have had to educate the actors in everything to do with continuity. I am very proud of how they have mastered this and more times than ever now I am not having to check. It can get a bit scary when you are managing over twenty actors and moving locations on different days although it is the same day in the film. As you can imagine it can become quite complex. They are now exceptionally good with dress and props but I am not going to say anything else! (Don’t want it to go to their heads to much. :))
Anyway as I have said before this is based upon my experience only.
Again I wish you all the luck in the world:)
Alyson.
