Boom Technique?

You definitely want to lock your elbows as much as you can. You want to weight of the pole to go down your arms, through your body, and to the ground. That being said, not every shot is that easy. I just did a behind the scenes thing for Silent Hill where I was booming three guys on a couch (oh, I should mention, I'm not a boom op by any means), and even that was a little awkward. The couch was just low enough that when I was fully extended, the mic was too high. I'm glad I work in post and not in production.

-Dave
 
The "dual mic holder" is a cheap Sabra Som stereo bar from Sound Room. Works great for ORTF and split booming two people. But if the people are even remotely close together I would still do it with one mic... it depends on the situation. Experiment for best results. I don't use that very often, but I have a shoot coming up where there is almost no budget outside of me getting paid to show up... and on that project I think this will be used several times.

The main reason I like that stereo setup is for ORTF though... it's mind blowing for that stuff.
 
I don't think I've seen anyone use two mics on a boom before. Most boom ops I know wouldn't want to do that because of the extra weight. Usually you would just move the boom between each character. Also, your pretty much locked in to being in one place. Now, I have seen two boom ops on several occasions. But that's usually when there is simultaneous stuff going on in two seperate places. Happens a lot on reality stuff and shows like CSI Miami.
 
Dave_Fisk said:
I don't think I've seen anyone use two mics on a boom before. Most boom ops I know wouldn't want to do that because of the extra weight. Usually you would just move the boom between each character. Also, your pretty much locked in to being in one place. Now, I have seen two boom ops on several occasions. But that's usually when there is simultaneous stuff going on in two seperate places. Happens a lot on reality stuff and shows like CSI Miami.
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Sorry for the threadjacking off topic comment, but where have you been lately dude?

-Jeremy
 
It always bugs me to see "boom ops" booming with their elbows at their sides, holding the boom like its a flag pole. I don't know how people get away with it. If I did that I swear I would throw shadows everwhere or cut the screen. Not to mention the fact that the flexibility is just not enough for me. Yeah, its harder to boom with your arms up in the air, but its better. Not only do you clear lights better, but you are much more mobile. You can manipulate your mics attitude much easier and effectively. It just seems like the obvious way to operate, but aparently sweating a little is not disirable for some folks. You know, its kind of nice when people come up to me and ask if arms get sore. Yeah, they do, and I am proud of it:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

That to me is the first technique that anyone should employ. Strap on some headphones and listen to your mixer and you will figure out the rest.
 
TheYankee said:
Sorry for the threadjacking off topic comment, but where have you been lately dude?

-Jeremy
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Workin like crazy. Right now I'm working at Technicolor Interactive doing video game stuff. Mostly dialogue editing and sound design. I've also been doing some sound FX recording with EA. I have a small lull this week before a really big project starts up, so I've been trying to keep up with the forums I would usually frequent. BTW, this is my favorite forum of all the ones I participate in.

-Dave
 
Just got my aluminum k-tek. I already feel sorry for my friend who volunteered to work the boom :crybaby:
 
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