Surrey Border Film & Video Makers
Editing films, videos and movies requires the cutting together of many clips from many 'takes'. If there is the slightest discontinuity from one to another it will stand out and ruin the film.
Continuity is vital!
It is surprising how often continuity is forgotten and even professionals slip up at times. It is amazing how some things get missed.
For instance: hats, hair styles, ties and dress in general. Position of accessories, be it books or boats, bikes or beds. Lighting must be the same, especially difficult with outside light. For as lime goes by the sun rises to a different height. so it is best to do a particular location within as a short a period of time as possible. You have to watch the background. Even indoor scenes have to be shot at the same time of day within a short period, especially if there are large windows facing south.
It is a good idea to take digital camera shots to help check continuity,
rather than having to look back at the original video (or film) which is not
always convenient. It is obviously best, and essential with an important
production, to appoint a continuity person. Women are usually better at
this, with their good eye for detail. The continuity person keeps a book for
notes on props and all photographs taken on location.
it is so easy to
overlook even simple things. For example. an interviewer holding notes in
one hand, followed by the next shot with the notes held in the other hand.
Proper attention to these details make an editors life
bearable and the end result correct.
Essential continuity rules
1. Clothes must be correct in even detail.
2. Accessories
(props etc) must remain consistent between shots.
3. Colour must not
change between shots.
4. Lighting must be consistent.
5. Background details must match.
6. Consistency when cutting
between close-ups, long-shot etc.
In front of a house Now an apartment block
John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.
Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.
Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.
Site updated 03 September 2010 . To comment on this website email: