Movie making tips - sound

[miker]

Okay, in an attempt to start some more tips rolling, here's a few guidelines on sound:

Right, you wanna know what you should be recording as a sound recordist?

The answer is dialogue, and only dialogue. All spot effects will generally be added later. So also record some spot effects on location, the editor may thank you for it.

Always listen for camera noise, you'd be surprised how loud it can be. If it's a problem, blimp the camera (usually means wrapping it in someones coat or jacket)

Always get 30 seconds of wildtrack ('atmos') from each location. If you don't know what that is, you're really gonna piss off the editor and maybe the director if he's at all technical.

ALWAYS get the clap. And I don't mean a STD cos no one wants to sleep with the soundman, no, I mean the clapperboard. Don't be afraid to get the mic in there real close.

NEVER record in stereo - what's the point? You only want dialogue. Stereo can be mixed in post with much more control with multiple mono sources.

When the director is blocking with the actors and camera, get ya boom in there too, work out where the fuck ya gonna stand without casting a shadow!!

Generally the soundman and his assistant, if he is lucky enough to have one, are very much left alone. No one seems to understand good sound, especially not lime-bellied amateurs.

A production, even an amateur one, can benefit from a soundman. So make sure you get one!

[sdchown]

But where you going to find one that will work for free...??

Later
Stephen
Old Ones Productions

[Chance1234]

free crew are always easy to find, but keeping good free crew is harder

make sure you if you are having someone work for free on your film that you at the very least feed them, pay there expensies and a copy of the film and have a hell of a wrap party