Details that break a production.
WHAT TO ADVISE PEOPLE TO WEAR
Solid colours Nothing with fine stripes or tight patterns Nothing with visible branding you have not cleared Nothing that rustles, near a microphone
WHY FINE PATTERNS
They produce distracting interference on camera.
WHAT COLOURS TO AVOID
Those matching the background Pure white, which can blow out Green, if a green screen is used
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE EACH TAKE
Collars and lapels Hair Anything crooked Microphone cables visible
WHAT CONTINUITY MEANS
Details remaining consistent between shots that appear consecutive.
WHAT BREAKS IT
Clothing changed or adjusted Objects moved Drink levels changing Light shifting as the day passes
WHY VIEWERS NOTICE
Even without identifying the cause, inconsistency registers as wrong.
WHAT TO DO
Photograph the setup before shooting, and refer to it.
WHY PHOTOGRAPH
Memory of small details is unreliable after a break.
WHAT TO WATCH ON LONG SHOOTS
Shadows moving, which cannot be corrected.
WHAT TO PLAN
Shooting anything matching within the same light conditions.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That small errors pass unnoticed, and large ones do not.
