How to work through it

01

Compare four continuity strategies

Reference-led generation carries an approved passport into each shot. Modular production keeps shots short and designs cut points that reduce cross-shot dependence. Post-production repair accepts bounded defects that can be corrected through compositing, paint, crop, or replacement. A hybrid strategy uses strict references for identity-critical close-ups and more flexible methods for distant or transitional shots. None of these patterns assumes a particular current feature. Their value comes from where continuity is controlled and where the production can recover when an output fails.

02

Match strategy to sequence risk

Score shot count, close-up frequency, dialogue, emotional performance, wardrobe changes, props, action complexity, camera movement, reference rights, edit flexibility, repair skill, schedule, and budget. A long dialogue sequence may justify stronger identity controls and replacement coverage; a montage may succeed with modular shots and intentional variation. Consider whether the project can maintain a character passport and state ledger. Use observed tests for defect rate and effort, and verify current input support or account access before assigning any tool-dependent path.

03

Design recovery before production

For the selected strategy, define which defects require regeneration, which can be repaired, which can be hidden by editorial grammar, and which invalidate the shot. Capture alternative angles, cutaways, inserts, or reaction shots where continuity risk is high. Set a maximum attempt count and an escalation owner. Review a representative multi-shot pilot against the passport before producing the full sequence. The decision applies to this narrative, team, and evidence set; it does not prove that any model or workflow delivers consistent characters generally.