Continuity Errors

Most narrative films strive to maintain the illusion of the continuity of time, space, action, and completeness with the help of continuity editing. Continuity errors are mistakes in the narrative, visual, or sound continuity of a film that occurs during shooting or that arise as part of the post-production process (see editing).

Continuity errors occur relatively frequently since films are rarely shot in the order in which they are presented. Most continuity errors are subtle. Examples include changes in the level of drink in a character’s glass or the length of a cigarette. Others can be more noticeable, such as sudden and drastic changes in the outer appearance of a character. For example, a change of clothing from one shot to another without explanation.

Errors in continuity are highly problematic since they can significantly disturb the illusion of film as an ongoing continuous action.