new to film audio

B

beachhead98

New member
Hi, I am new to film however I have been doing sound for 10+ years on the music side of things both live and studio plus i went through a 2 year commercial music recording program at long beach city college in so cal.
I see a lot of posts on here from video and film guys trying to learn about audio but I could use some suggestions on working with film/video now.

I have done a day of booming for some street interviews for a documentary and will be doing more soon enough.

the rig:

mic: rode ntg-3 + rode blimp and boompole

mixer: mix preD

eternal recorder: tascam dr100

any advice and input I can get is welcome!
I am sure the more work I do the more specific questions I will have to ask!

Thanks!!!
 
Welcome to DVXUser!

Not to be flip... is there actually a question in there somewhere? What do you want to know about working with film/video? It's a really broad topic, and without some (at least somewhat) specific lines of questioning, there's not much we can say. You have a decent starter kit, and the rule of thumb on the mic is "the closer, the better." Other than that... ???

Perhaps start with the yellow stickies at the top of the Audio forum. There, you'll also find a link to the Sound for Film and Television DVD/video download, which is a great place to start.
 
well some things I think are good to know:

- with live music, you don't have a 2nd chance.... with broadcast...you have... (except when it's a live report of cource)
but don't panic if there's something going wrong....

- live music is compression on the vocals, don't compress to much (just for safety)

- watch out for shadows...if there is... try going a bit higher, or to the left or right so it "drop's on the floor.

- watch out for the frame

- watch out for other sounds... let people be quiet during interview...
 
Non gear related things to know:

-$100 per day with gear for a shoot is WAAAAAY to low of a rate. Don't sell yourself short. (I'm not saying you are doing this, but I see this rate get thrown around all the time to newbies)
-Always have sun block
-Subway Tuna sandwich is not an acceptable lunch.
-Always keep a positive mental attitude, even if the shoot is completely melting down.
-good; fast; cheap. pick two
-and...the most important thing I've ever heard from a veteran sound mixer when dealing with a panicking producer:
"Lack of planning on your part does not constitute a crisis on my part"
 
yes, think positive, don't start "shouting".... if person A would have the perfect sound but always shouts when there's an isue...and person B's sound is a bit less..still ok but not as perfect as A, but B is very nice and easely going...they rather would chose B then A...

if there's an isue...just tell it. You're not working with rockbands who are used to be shouted at :-p

and most important: BENEFIT A LOT !!! if they're offering drinks, candies, food....
 
Alex H. said:
Welcome to DVXUser!

Not to be flip... is there actually a question in there somewhere? What do you want to know about working with film/video? It's a really broad topic, and without some (at least somewhat) specific lines of questioning, there's not much we can say. You have a decent starter kit, and the rule of thumb on the mic is "the closer, the better." Other than that... ???

Perhaps start with the yellow stickies at the top of the Audio forum. There, you'll also find a link to the Sound for Film and Television DVD/video download, which is a great place to start.
Click to expand...

I'm new here as well and just wanted to 2nd this advice. The stickies up top are GREAT! I found a LOT of useful stuff there. Also, I just finished Sound for Film and Television and it's an excellent resource for someone just starting out. I learned a lot from it and especially enjoyed the part at the end about sound post.
 
thanks... all of this is appreciated. I have been going through the stickies and through them I found a link to Jay Rose @ www.dplay.com .
ya I know there is not really a question just looking for things i should consider.
 
I would add that it is wise that you provide your own 'care package' containing things that will make a long day easier.

I always pack a small insulated lunch box with several bags of preferred snack food and some gum or mints, and a couple of sport drinks to get you thru long hours in a hot set, as we all have learned that not many indie shoots provide much if anything through out the day except for main meals.

A towel and spare clean shirt and some deodorant also make a long day in hot environments a heavenly treat when you are needing to clean up a bit after sweating all day. During shoot days I will keep a duffle in my car with these items.

Also pack some aspirin or your favorite pain killer.

To me the difference between a good fun day at a shoot and being miserable at a shoot is your comfort level and those little things keep you smiling and more focused on a good job. (and probably keep you from stabbing the director)

Cheers
 
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