Simple ways to save sound and the production”
If it’s got a fan, you got to make a plan…
Hey Producers! Do you want to save money? Think about your sound, Sound is often where you spend the most in Post when things don’t pan out on set.
Sound Saves everything
Why putting Sound first can save you BIG!
The dreaded phrase is often heard on set, and most certainly for sound. I can tell from personal experience that many low budget productions dismiss out of hand the importance of sound but the first to say “Sound is so Important”. In reality many shots put Camera as the priority without regards to sound its mind-numbing. It’s then only realized in post that the sound was compromised and productions scramble to schedule actors and pay for audio clean up adding thousands to the budget.
Here are a few simple ways to save time and money onset;
1. “If it’s got a fan, you got to make a plan.”
If you see equipment on set with a fan, you got to make sure it is far away from the set or set to the lowest settings to make as little noise as possible. It’s incredibly distracting when the overall noise floor has a fan, hum, or buzz. It can be akin to having your “sound out of focus.” Nowadays, this is a tedious but straightforward fix; however it’s still time and money; it can be better spent elsewhere. So it’s crucial to get clean sound on set.
Things to be aware of;
- Camera Fans
- Monitor Fans
- Techno Lights
- light ballasts
- Battery Chargers
- AC units
2. “You know what grinds my gears, GEARS!”
During my last feature, there where many intimate dialog scenes with the camera close to talent with multiple focus points, and every time I head focus being pulled. That’s no good! It is essential to keep your equipment maintained and quiet. By no means am I an authority on cameras or follow focuses; however, It’s something every 1st AC should keep at the front of their priority list during pre-production. We had the director hear even in the Comteks the follow focus being used.
3. “Motors are not your friends, go back to basics.”
Many new Directors and DOPs want to use the fancies new toys or the latest whatcha-ma-call- it. Sadly most of the time is has motors and they’re noisy! Many in the indie market try to keep up with pros by getting gimbals and techno-cranes. I’m not saying there isn’t a time or place to use these tools, but if you’re indoors or close courters with your Boom Op, it’s vital that the only thing being heard is Talent, not your equipment. There is a reason why the pros use J.L. Fisher and Steadi-Cams; they’re quieter and professional.
Link to Quiet Camera equipment
4. “Communication is KEY, Quiet means quiet.”
What do I prepare myself for and when it inevitable all goes wrong
Challenge
To go into each day with limitations and high expectations, yet coming out on top
Solution
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Testimonial
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