How do REAL directors and editors deal with continuity in these cases?

[gonzo_entertainment]

The reason I said even a good SS wouldn't have helped is that he wanted to cut out a line that was delivered as the talent changed positions.. If he cuts the line, he cuts the movement. That means when he gos back to a shot of the talent he will be in a different place than he was the last time we saw him, jump cut.

 

[djkarn105]

The reason I said even a good SS wouldn't have helped is that he wanted to cut out a line that was delivered as the talent changed positions.. If he cuts the line, he cuts the movement. That means when he gos back to a shot of the talent he will be in a different place than he was the last time we saw him, jump cut.

I'm reading a book on Woody Allen right now and he said that if he was ever unsure about an actor he would make sure to cover them in clean singles. That way it made it easier to use pieces of different takes or even reshoot without the rest of the cast.

I also remember from an interview with Josh Leonard about THE LIE, an improvised film, he said that, rather than starting with the wide, they would start with singles while the actors figured out what they wanted to do in the scene. That way, by the time they got to the Wide they already had their rhythm down and the action would be consistent.

 

[ironpony]

Okay thanks. I tried shooting one actor at a time just for that reason, but the problem was is that there are certain shots where you want both. It just looks better and it's more ideal. But for most shots you can use that trick.

 

[Rolf Silber]

... "cut to the dog." ...... + Some of the greatest moments of screen drama were created by holding on the actor listening and reacting to another character's speech.

+ 1.

Always we should ask ourself the question: What is "the dog" in the situation? His fingers moving nervously while he is pretending to be calm? The clock ticking frantically to tell us time is running? A fly bouncing against the window? "The dog" may help you in a more technical sense to overcome problems of continuity but much more important, "the dog" can be a mighty tool of storytelling.

And telling actors that they can be on while the other one talks may make them keen to create something to steal another close up. Which is for actors the most important currency anyhow.... ;-)

 

[vic777]

Yeah I got coverage for cutaways. But as soon as you cut back, the other actor is in a different position completely. So cutting away is only half the solution it seems.

A "cutaway" is to a completely different shot, not the other actor, so when you cut back to the Actor who has "moved" it seems more logical and is believable.