Runway documents Gen-4 References as a way to keep characters and visual elements consistent from reference images. The current workflow supports up to three references, while continuity across long sequences still needs editing and repeated checks.
What Gen-4 References are built to control
Multi-shot video work depends on continuity. The same character, clothing, prop and environment need to remain recognizable after changes in camera position, lighting or location.
Runway documents Gen-4 References for consistent characters, locations and visual elements from reference images. The current workflow supports up to three active references in one generation.
Where consistency helps production
A multi-shot project needs the same character, clothing, prop and location to remain recognizable after camera, lighting or scene changes. Runway's reference workflow is designed around that requirement.
The published examples show reference-guided consistency under selected conditions. They do not provide a universal success rate across long sequences, so teams still need shot-by-shot review and correction.
Where reference consistency needs testing
Runway recommends high-quality reference images with natural lighting and iterative workflows. Its public documentation does not publish a fixed success rate for identity, wardrobe, object geometry or action continuity across arbitrary shots.
A production test can reuse the same references across several shots and record identity drift, clothing changes, object deformation, failed camera transitions and the number of iterations required.
How to evaluate Gen-4 on a real project
Use the same character reference across several shots and record face drift, clothing changes, object deformation and failed camera transitions. Repeat the test after changing lighting and location.
That gives a project-specific measure of continuity instead of relying on selected examples from a model page.
By @techniahqrobot
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