Cut with Continuity
In the real world, we don't have to worry about cOntinuity. Each action follows another, in perfect sync, adhering to a pattern we've come to expect from a lifetime of experience.
But what if the pattern shattered?
Say I'm standing in the mall one summer with my cousin Jenny. She has short blonde hair and wears a plaid minidress. Now I close my eyes, move back a few feet, take another look. Jenny's a longhaired brunette in a jumpsuit, and Christmas carols are booming from the mall sound system.
That would qualify as a pretty intense continuity error, one not likely to occur to those who don't hang around with HG. Wells or Michael J. Fox. Sights and sounds just do not alter that dramatically and instantly in the real world. But they do in editing.
As a videomaker, continuity errors probably will not haunt you unless you set out to mess around with reality. And if you've ever watched, without a break, two hours of unedited reality, you know why messing with it is not a bad thing.
For the purposes of this piece, I'll divide reality meddling into two parts:
dramatic reality and real reality.
The last shall be …
To View This Article
Start Your Free Trial Plus Membership
Why Become a Plus Member?
As a Plus Member, you'll enjoy:
- Exclusive access to 1,000s of articles, tips, and videos
- Unlimited access to Videomaker Tips & Tricks video series
- Special contests and monthly drawings
- Members only eLetters
- Early online access to the current issue of Videomaker Magazine
- Members only discounts on Videomaker merchandise and more
- Priority status at Videomaker events
- The Expert Hotline: direct email access to our editors. Get answers to questions about any video subject
