Swimming Pool Sound Design

CineMischief

CineMischief

Active member
First off, just wanted to say what an incredible resource this forum has been for me. Been lurking in the wings for a bit, and finally decided to jump in. Blah, blah, blah...
Here's my question: Does anyone have any ideas on how to go about getting good sound from our upcoming short shot in a swimming pool?
It's all shot with our 3 actors in a backyard pool in the 'burbs (quiet neighbors). I guess I'm concerned about the problems this poses. I.e. sounds bouncing (?) off the water, getting close enough to the actors, filter noise, I dunno.
Most likely we'll boom with the AT 4073a directly into the camera...somebody please tell me we're morons or that we'll be ok. Again, thanks for your imput and cheers for this honey of a forum...

Besties,

X
 
You're biggest problem is going to be regarding water spashing and that being distracting. There is a ton of ambient noise filming by a pool, but if it is outdoor the reflection shouldn't be that bad.

I've only recorded one pool scene, it was with one person in the water leaning up and the other person on a chair on the side. Oleg, Ty, Dave, or Wabbit most likely have a lot more experience witht he specifics of how to pull this off, but I boomed directly over the persons head and then did a little ADR in post to get the best results. The question is going to be where in the pool are they. If they are in the dead center it is going to be a lot harder to get a pole right over them.

The answer is within the details that you haven't given.
 
Hey Yankee, thanks for the quick reply. So, yeah, outdoor pool with the two leads standing in the shallow end. The pool is kidney shaped so I think we can boom over them like you said. For the most part, they are going to be 'frozen' with fear during the dialogue (minimal splashing)...most of the movement only occurs where there is no dialogue. Was mostly concerned with weird sound reflecting and our mic and setup choices. So I guess...no speaky when actors movey= skirting 'round extensive ADR caused by splashing. Geezie wheezie, hope no one gets electocuted.
Thanks again for the reply!

Besties,

X
 
Cine,

The key is to keep the movement down to a minimum during dialogue. I did a pool scene this past summer, and it came out without the need for ADR. We just boomed over the two actors during their dialogue.

Two things to watch out for --

1. Keep your mic and cables dry. We had two kids in the pool, and they liked to play around a bit...one comment to their mothers about the replacement cost of a 416 and my mic stayed dry for the whole day.

2. If there is movement in the pool before the dialogue, try to see if you can get a pause or a hold before the dialogue starts to let the water calm down.

3. Make sure you have a good windsock and blimp arrangement for your mic to kill the wind noise over the mic.

HTH,

Phil
 
Phil--

All great points. I guess we'll just have to roll with it and see how she behaves, stupid water. Thanks!

Besties,

Mischief
 
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