boomshadow, always fun

[dre83]

I wonder... the lightpeople out there... would you give priority to sound or light for next situations ?

- an interview set up
- a scene with an important dialogue
- a scene where just someone walks true the door without saying something

In which case would you fight for your light ? And in which case would you say "naaa, it's ok" ?

 

[Doc Bernard]

First off, I would yell at both the audio guy, and the DP for allowing a boom shadow to occur in the first place. Even as an audio guy, I make sure I know exactly where the lighting is and do a test waggle of my pole in place to see if there is a shadow playing anywhere. The DP should be watching to see how the light plays through the scene.

 

[dre83]

Yes, I mean during practising...during reharshall (reaharshall, reehearshall, rehearschall....I don't know anymore how it's written, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa)

If during waggling the boompole you or DP sees shadow...Do you (not you, Doc but "you" as in "you the lightguy") give prior to light or soud and in when occasions ?

 

[Doc Bernard]

I try to set up a compromise. If I can move the pole to a different location and get the audio I need, I do (it's easier for me to move). If I can't, I talk to the DP and see what we can do. Last resort, I ask the Director...."Whats more important here?". If they have edited a few projects......audio usually wins. But that should be the LAST resort, the crew should figure it out before the director gets involved.

That is if it's a good crew.

I absolutely believe an audio guy needs to be very familiar with lighting and cam ops to really know their job. And the same goes true for those other departments about audio. A set needs to be a collaborative effort. LOL, I always joke about how I would make a GREAT DP, believe me, it's pretty uncanny. Because invariably, I always plant myself where the DP is going to put a light or a flag. I go so far as to know what lens they are working with so I already know what my frame lines are, but verify with the cam op.