Casting Director Renee Godbout explains why seamless scene transitions are essential to your success
By Renee Godbout
Did you know that on most sets, there’s actually a person whose sole responsibility is continuity? Continuity means that all the sets, props, wardrobe, hair, and make-up must be ready to film at all times.
Since most television shows and movies have several scenes in one location, they save time by shooting all of those scenes in one day (or several in a row if more time is needed). Because scripts are shot out of sequence, it’s important to have someone on set making sure it looks like everything happened chronologically.
It’s a lot for one person to take note of so it’s everyone’s responsibility to help out and remember things for their own department, and that includes actors as well!
1. Always take special note of what you are wearing, everything from your jewelry to your shoes. You may need to do a reshoot after a month has passed, so it never hurts to jot down a few notes.
2. Pay attention to how your hair is styled, and if possible, don’t make any drastic changes in case they need you back. Reschedule your hair appointment if your days are split up.
3. If you have a principle or highly featured extra role and plan on going away for an extended period of time, make sure you tell production the dates before you accept the work. There’s a possibility that a rain date might be scheduled during that time, and you wouldn’t want production to get stuck trying to find someone to match your appearance.
4. If you’re an extra, it helps to also know where you were placed on set. If a scene picks up where another left off then production will need everyone in the same position. It helps the production run smoothly when the 2nd assistant director isn’t the only one keeping an eye out for where people should be.
It might be one person’s job to make sure there is continuity, but the entertainment industry is based on team work. Everyone looks out for one another and wants to make the best product possible. Do your job well and you’ll make everyone else’s easier!
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the Jonathan Demme-directed Rachel Getting Married.
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