Moving Image Education

the rehearsal

Professional film-makers have rehearsals because this helps everyone to know what's going to happen and they can try to get their bit right. Even in documentaries they rehearse the movement of the camera and try a little bit of interview to get the sound right. DON'T record until you are happy with your shot. DON'T end up with hours of video footage you can't use because the scenes haven't been rehearsed.

For sound, it is often only during a rehearsal that problems first become apparent. It will probably be the first time you hear what you're going to record without the chatter of the rest of the crew in the background.

So it's your chance to check the sound levels both look and sound OK. See if the boom operator (or you, if you're on your own) has the mic in the best position.

You might notice a lot of noise from next door or outside. Now is the chance to control this by asking them to be quiet or closing the door.

Also see buzztrack

When everyone - camera, sound, actors, director - is ready then you can go for a take

sound recordist during the take

Listen carefully to the quality of the sound. When people talk can you hear them clearly? Are you distracted by background sounds which are not relevant? (e.g. class chatter, dogs, crying babies, a passing lorry). Even if you are not recording anybody talking, is the sound you are getting appropriate for the picture?

Once filming has cut it's your job to tell the director if you thought the sound was good enough. If you didn't think it was good enough try to think of how you can improve it.

watching the take back

You can, if you are all happy with that take - since it's the first you've done - play it back and check it recorded! With experience you will only want to check what you have shot under special circumstances.

happy

Is everyone happy? OK, on to the next shot!