How are season finale cliffhangers filmed? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 08-23-2017, 01:39 AM

Basically, when a cliffhanger and it's resolution are the same scene, I'm wondering if the entire scene is filmed on the same day and then it's edited into the end of one season and the beginning of another, or if they actually film the scenes separately and just hope that all the nuanced continuity (hair styles, complexion, weight, etc) matches?

PhoenixAcres · 08-23-2017, 01:42 PM

I'm almost certain that both portions of the cliffhanger are filmed in one session. If they've got all the sets assembled and actors gathered, it wouldn't make sense only midway through to say "Okay that's Part 1. See you at this exact spot in three months".

Also, filming an episode in advance before the break for summer means the cast/crew has an extra week of vacation before returning in the fall.

JO Sweet Heart · 09-01-2017, 08:43 PM

If the concluding script has been written, then to me, it should be filmed right after the beginning has been filmed.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

robyrob · 09-01-2017, 10:50 PM

I think its a combination of both; with Hollywood magic they shoot what they need to up front - sometimes with even the cast not aware of what happens after the cliffhanger - and then splice it in with new footage and edit it together for the next season afterwards

- or they could just get them all blackout drunk afterwards so no one can remember

08-23-2017, 01:39 AM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,454	How are season finale cliffhangers filmed? Basically, when a cliffhanger and it's resolution are the same scene, I'm wondering if the entire scene is filmed on the same day and then it's edited into the end of one season and the beginning of another, or if they actually film the scenes separately and just hope that all the nuanced continuity (hair styles, complexion, weight, etc) matches?

09-01-2017, 08:43 PM	#3
JO Sweet Heart Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 11, 2012 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 7,880	If the concluding script has been written, then to me, it should be filmed right after the beginning has been filmed. God bless you always!!! Holly
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09-01-2017, 10:50 PM	#4
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,197	I think its a combination of both; with Hollywood magic they shoot what they need to up front - sometimes with even the cast not aware of what happens after the cliffhanger - and then splice it in with new footage and edit it together for the next season afterwards - or they could just get them all blackout drunk afterwards so no one can remember
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08-23-2017, 01:42 PM	#2
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,824	I'm almost certain that both portions of the cliffhanger are filmed in one session. If they've got all the sets assembled and actors gathered, it wouldn't make sense only midway through to say "Okay that's Part 1. See you at this exact spot in three months". Also, filming an episode in advance before the break for summer means the cast/crew has an extra week of vacation before returning in the fall.