Continuity when filming 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.