RareCut & Caleb
RareCut
Hey Caleb, just finished a late‑night crime thriller and noticed something odd in the background – that little cigarette case on the desk, it wasn’t even in the shot, yet it pops up in the next cut. I love those continuity hiccups, like the director’s secret note that you can’t miss if you’re watching closely. I’m curious, do you think those small props help a scene feel more authentic, or do they just add clutter to an already tight narrative?
Caleb
I’m a stickler for consistency, so a cigarette case that shows up out of nowhere is a red flag. If it’s there to anchor the environment—like the protagonist’s habit or a clue—it’s a useful detail. If it’s just a prop that nobody interacts with, it’s unnecessary clutter and a missed chance to streamline the visual story. In my work I always ask, “What does it reveal about the character or the world?” If the answer is no, I cut it.