I can afford the octava mic and all the necessary extras to get quality, affordable sound. However, everyone seems to agree that I will also need a great boom operator to handle this mic. Unfortunately, I don't have access to one of those, soooo... I'm curious as to what it takes to be a 'great boom operator' and if with enough practice, is this a trade I can teach myself in the next three months? If so, where can I find the training manual? If not, how 'bout some basics so that I'm not completely useless when I pick up the mic.
Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
- Thread starter SloMocean
- Start date
wabbit
Evil has Ears
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
Start with this book.
http://www.dplay.com/book/pgs2e/index.html
It will help you to understand basic sound gathering principles. From there you need to pick up the pole and practice.
Try to get on a set to observe the sound dept. Call a local soundguy and see if you can't intern or help out. Get an understanding of getting the boom in as close as possilbe; boom check are critical when starting out (don't be shy). Learn to find the best position relative to the lighting so you don't get a shadow. Get to know the mics and what mics to use in what situations. Learn how to hide lavs under clothing so you don't get clothing russle. Don't forget to learn set etique. Having a good sense of humor is important but don't distract the actors or get in the way of lighting dept.
When you are working on a film, watch the rehearsal; learn the blocking and script. Be aware of the location and it's audio issues. If you are the boom op, that is your job; you don't direct, dp, or grip/gaft.
Also make sure you have the strength to handle the boom throughout a 10 plus hour shoot. Shoulder, back, and ab exercises will help. Finally, practice, practice, practice.
Good luck.
Start with this book.
http://www.dplay.com/book/pgs2e/index.html
It will help you to understand basic sound gathering principles. From there you need to pick up the pole and practice.
Try to get on a set to observe the sound dept. Call a local soundguy and see if you can't intern or help out. Get an understanding of getting the boom in as close as possilbe; boom check are critical when starting out (don't be shy). Learn to find the best position relative to the lighting so you don't get a shadow. Get to know the mics and what mics to use in what situations. Learn how to hide lavs under clothing so you don't get clothing russle. Don't forget to learn set etique. Having a good sense of humor is important but don't distract the actors or get in the way of lighting dept.
When you are working on a film, watch the rehearsal; learn the blocking and script. Be aware of the location and it's audio issues. If you are the boom op, that is your job; you don't direct, dp, or grip/gaft.
Also make sure you have the strength to handle the boom throughout a 10 plus hour shoot. Shoulder, back, and ab exercises will help. Finally, practice, practice, practice.
Good luck.
Jacques_Meov
Carbonite Member
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
WORK OUT! Imagine the boom as a 10' broom you have to keep aloft for HOURS at a time! Cardio and strength training with light weights but MAXIMUM reps.
You can do this...most anyone can, but to do it well---that is up to you!
WORK OUT! Imagine the boom as a 10' broom you have to keep aloft for HOURS at a time! Cardio and strength training with light weights but MAXIMUM reps.
You can do this...most anyone can, but to do it well---that is up to you!
Caveman
Well-known member
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
[quote author=oleg link=board=audio;num=1109708529;start=0#3 date=03/01/05 at 14:56:40]you have to born like that - if you usking these questions - better to find subsitude
[/quote]
Come on!
He's not asking how to write a best selling novel !!!!!!!
It is most definitely something you can learn if not master in 3 months.
Do lots of tests. The next time you have people over set up your rig and put your headphones on. Practice holding the mic and listening to how it sounds at different angles and how close you can get without being in the frame.
You can do it !
I have faith !
;D CAVEMAN
[quote author=oleg link=board=audio;num=1109708529;start=0#3 date=03/01/05 at 14:56:40]you have to born like that - if you usking these questions - better to find subsitude
[/quote]
Come on!
He's not asking how to write a best selling novel !!!!!!!
It is most definitely something you can learn if not master in 3 months.
Do lots of tests. The next time you have people over set up your rig and put your headphones on. Practice holding the mic and listening to how it sounds at different angles and how close you can get without being in the frame.
You can do it !
I have faith !;D CAVEMAN
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
I own the book an I'm currently reading it...
If my real name was as interesting as Oleg, I wouldn't have to try and be creative ... unfortunately, my parents named me DAve... wadaya want from me?
I've boomed a feature before, but the sound turned out pretty horrible. [The director/producer didn't bother finding a sound guy, so naturally, as the assistant director, I was promoted to Sound Recordist/Boom operator on the first day of shooting] My guess is that it had a little to do with the fact the mic was a used Arzden and a lot had to do with my lack of knowledge and experience. I just want to be prepared this time.
I didn't figure it was rocket science, but the way people talk it's as if you need a degree to be a great boom operator ... Hard work, exercise and practice I can do ... rocket science I can't ...
Thanks for the info
I own the book an I'm currently reading it...
If my real name was as interesting as Oleg, I wouldn't have to try and be creative ... unfortunately, my parents named me DAve... wadaya want from me?
I've boomed a feature before, but the sound turned out pretty horrible. [The director/producer didn't bother finding a sound guy, so naturally, as the assistant director, I was promoted to Sound Recordist/Boom operator on the first day of shooting] My guess is that it had a little to do with the fact the mic was a used Arzden and a lot had to do with my lack of knowledge and experience. I just want to be prepared this time.
I didn't figure it was rocket science, but the way people talk it's as if you need a degree to be a great boom operator ... Hard work, exercise and practice I can do ... rocket science I can't ...
Thanks for the info
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
take it easy , sorry dave ( i refered to your nick name not to your actuall one ) that you cant come here , i give lessons in the coffee shop , soa actually you get degri without rise the hand ( ones since you are paying the check so you need call the waiter:_))
actually that not aricket since - but unfortuanly you need practice - the best is start in the moovie that you hate the dyrector , if you have good rithm( i prefer drummers) , and your memory is ok and you over 6 feet
that would take you not so long , good things to learn m lighting , lenses , and what is everything the soundman have
good luck - but never call your self slow motion since this is remund me over 24 fr ps so this is mute shot and you sit - so becarful with the name no one wont to see a slow booman
and dont forget to but comftable shoes that dead silent and black tshirts not to reflect
take it easy , sorry dave ( i refered to your nick name not to your actuall one ) that you cant come here , i give lessons in the coffee shop , soa actually you get degri without rise the hand ( ones since you are paying the check so you need call the waiter:_))
actually that not aricket since - but unfortuanly you need practice - the best is start in the moovie that you hate the dyrector , if you have good rithm( i prefer drummers) , and your memory is ok and you over 6 feet
that would take you not so long , good things to learn m lighting , lenses , and what is everything the soundman have
good luck - but never call your self slow motion since this is remund me over 24 fr ps so this is mute shot and you sit - so becarful with the name no one wont to see a slow booman
and dont forget to but comftable shoes that dead silent and black tshirts not to reflect
Dave_Fisk
Well-known member
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
The best boom ops are usually tall, thin dudes that can get anywhere and can easily get a pole high if they need. Short dudes like me have a hard time booming. After having done some light boom work, I wouldn't say you would be a master boom op after 3 months. I would say it would take you several years. It's a lot harder than most people think.
-Dave
The best boom ops are usually tall, thin dudes that can get anywhere and can easily get a pole high if they need. Short dudes like me have a hard time booming. After having done some light boom work, I wouldn't say you would be a master boom op after 3 months. I would say it would take you several years. It's a lot harder than most people think.
-Dave
wabbit
Evil has Ears
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
At 5'10'' (and a half) I can say height is advantagous but not neccessary. Appleboxes correct any differential. I don't boom much anymore but my favorite boom op is about 6 foot, I worked with a 6'4'' boom op crapped out on me after 5 or 6 hours. You can correct for height but weak boom ops are a nightmare.
I ranted on this height thing in an early post...I have issues :-[
At 5'10'' (and a half
) I can say height is advantagous but not neccessary. Appleboxes correct any differential. I don't boom much anymore but my favorite boom op is about 6 foot, I worked with a 6'4'' boom op crapped out on me after 5 or 6 hours. You can correct for height but weak boom ops are a nightmare.I ranted on this height thing in an early post...I have issues :-[
Dave_Fisk
Well-known member
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
One of the best boom ops I know is my height, 5'6", but being taller is advantageos. You do need to be in shape, but if you use proper boom technique, you can hold a boom pole all day and have it not bother you.
-Dave
One of the best boom ops I know is my height, 5'6", but being taller is advantageos. You do need to be in shape, but if you use proper boom technique, you can hold a boom pole all day and have it not bother you.
-Dave
newtodvx100a
Well-known member
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
Will a wireless transmitter with a shotgun work for most situations? How do you get sound for the operator? Too receivers? Sorry for the dumb questions. Just trying to figure out what I need to get started now that I have just a camera.
Will a wireless transmitter with a shotgun work for most situations? How do you get sound for the operator? Too receivers? Sorry for the dumb questions. Just trying to figure out what I need to get started now that I have just a camera.
Re: Make me into great boom operator [in 3 months]
[quote author=Dave_Fisk link=board=audio;num=1109708529;start=0#14 date=03/04/05 at 17:54:13]One of the best boom ops I know is my height, 5'6", but being taller is advantageos. You do need to be in shape, but if you use proper boom technique, you can hold a boom pole all day and have it not bother you.
-Dave
[/quote]
he still taller then, all , tom c. , the maraphone shmock and doliy parton
i ones wark with a guy like that but after 2 days of building aple boxes runnways he left , i think he doing eng now - so he has adwanteg to come from bellow
how exacly he deal with tom ( hanks)and tim( robins)
[quote author=Dave_Fisk link=board=audio;num=1109708529;start=0#14 date=03/04/05 at 17:54:13]One of the best boom ops I know is my height, 5'6", but being taller is advantageos. You do need to be in shape, but if you use proper boom technique, you can hold a boom pole all day and have it not bother you.
-Dave
[/quote]
he still taller then, all , tom c. , the maraphone shmock and doliy parton
i ones wark with a guy like that but after 2 days of building aple boxes runnways he left , i think he doing eng now - so he has adwanteg to come from bellow
how exacly he deal with tom ( hanks)and tim( robins)
Thanks for all the info, it was really helpful!
This weekend I went out and found a six foot drummer who just happens to have attended recording school ... he's never done film work, but he's a whole further along than myself as far as general knowledge about mics and audio, and he's working for free.
You should be proud, oleg =)
Thanks again!
This weekend I went out and found a six foot drummer who just happens to have attended recording school ... he's never done film work, but he's a whole further along than myself as far as general knowledge about mics and audio, and he's working for free.
You should be proud, oleg =)
Thanks again!