General Discussion
Feel free to talk about anything and everything in this board.
4,988 topics in this forum
-
- 6 replies
- 976 views
Hello, I've just got a last minute call to go and record a V/O with a well known sports commentator tomorrow morning. He has requested that I bring a Lip mic along (a Coles mic if possible). I've never worked with one before and will reant and then learn on the job. Any advice on using this mic? I'll be traveling very lightly (just taking a 302 and an FR2LE) because it's only for an hour or so. Any advice or recommendations that you can send will be very greatly appreciated. Regards, Damien
Last reply by Damien Looney, -
- 1 reply
- 538 views
Greetings, I may be a bit off topic for this group... But I know that a lot of you people in the broadcast industry will probably have a lot of knowledge that might help our project. Our company is working on a small remote controlled robotic video camera that would be used by law enforcement agencies to inspect under vehicles. (Like automobiles.) We have been prototyping with a 100mw UHF TV transmitter that can be switched from CH 21-28. We have tried many other transmitters including 900MHz band, 2.4GHz band, 5.8MHz band... But all these devices fail miserably because the transmitter antenna has to be about 3.5 inches off the ground. (In order to fit …
Last reply by studiomprd, -
Backup recorder? 1 2 3 4
by Jeff Wexler- 81 replies
- 7.2k views
Bear with me on this. The question goes out to all those running a second recorder concurrently in production where one recorder is considered the primary recorder and the other a backup. I am not interested in stories from the DAT days or when two recorders are being used to facilitate different format/media or copies for deliverables. What two recorders are you using and what incidents or circumstances have you had to go to the backup recording on a job? I know I probably could have put up a POLL (if I knew how) which would have been easier, but I like the free form answers from those who are willing to write. - Jeff Wexler
Last reply by ptalsky, -
- 11 replies
- 1.6k views
I asked this question over on CinemaSound in the "30 Seconds Over Hollywood" group. Just curious since it has been so long since I have done any commercials, are most of them still shot using FILM or have they gone over to digital formats? - Jeff Wexler
Last reply by mikewest, -
- 0 replies
- 504 views
Last Saturday and Sunday I spent in a seminar organized by the Cinematographers' Combine with ASC and PGA. The first day was presentation of the Arri Alexa and the new Sony digital camera. The second day was the ASC CAS (Camera Assessment Series). It was a great experience with over 400 people in the auditorium, mostly DP's, students and one sound guy - me. Heh.... I met Michael Goi - president of ASC, David Stump - DP, and a few others from the US. Interesting people. The results of the Camera Assessment were clear, all cameras were consistent with most parameters, except the RED which fell back due to its inherent disadvantage of compression. However, it was…
Last reply by soundtrane, -
- 32 replies
- 2.5k views
What Timecode should I use if RED Camerais recording at 24fps?
Last reply by studiomprd, -
- 6 replies
- 859 views
It occurs to me that this forum and our sound community generally could benefit from the occasional talk show. Blog Talk Radio webcasts live, and shows are archived for future reference. The basic service is free. Just as an example, Peggy's good question about the status of EPK/BTS crews. Makes me think that an IA rep from each coast could answer the questions we posed, with call-in's for additional questions and answers. I started a broadcast account there not long ago here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fauxpress but realized I had nothing personally with which to fill an hour. Professionally? You bet, but not without the sound community behind it. Were we t…
Last reply by Jan McL, -
- 5 replies
- 910 views
In previous Toy Story's, IIRC Doc Kane, Disney's ADR Ace, was the de-facto production mixer, recording the dialog tracks. I have not seen the 3-quel, but a student tells me " " without citing any reference. I would not argue that many sound effects were recorded for the film, but question the statement about the production tracks (dialog)... has this information been published that anyone can refer me to, or is there someone on this group who knows if this is how it was done?? (I recall a another recent animated movie that did take the actors onto a farm to record the production tracks) Thanks!
Last reply by old school, -
- 39 replies
- 3.6k views
We have been noticing lately that behind the scenes cameraperson is sent out with no sound technician accompaniment. We questioned the cameraperson and he stated that the company which hires him only allows a sound person to work when interviews are scheduled for that day. In the interest of saving money, the company has cut the sound person because a sound feed can easily be gotten from the sound crew. This alarmed me and the others on our team. We informed the producer that we did not feel comfortable feeding the sound to a non 695 technician and to please check with the union to see if this is legal. The producer got scared of a violation and told the epk company to se…
-
- 4 replies
- 728 views
I've heard this term thrown around just recently, but I have no idea who this person is or what they do. Can someone fill me in? Thanks, -Greg-
Last reply by greg sextro, -
- 0 replies
- 614 views
Hey Folks, I just read that KC's Big Screen TV is going under; the latest recession casualty. What a shame. It was a family run business, and they treated me great when I bought my first HDTV. Anyhoo, they are seriously liquidating, and some good audio and video gear can be had much cheaper than usual. LINK: http://www.kencranesbigscreentvs.com/
Last reply by Last Rites Films, -
- 0 replies
- 436 views
Q: What is the difference between a dollar bill and the Boston Celtics? A: While they are both green, a dollar bill has four quarters in it.
Last reply by Steve Joachim, -
As an ex pat Brit let me be the first to congratulate the US soccer team on a 1-1 draw with England in the World Cup. Win win situation for me as no matter who advances to the second round I have someone to root for!
Last reply by Derek Mansvelt, -
- 26 replies
- 2.1k views
Alright, so I have searched through the forums, and I have found several topics on dealing with inconsiderate DPs or ADs, but my question stems more from job duties. Also, this is not a pity post; if you guys have to be real, please be real. I am currently working on a low budget shoot for a feature (aren't they all now?), and I'm working as just the boom op for a production sound mixer that is also (I'm willing to bet) a rookie. Now, I have boomed before, and I understand how to boom, and why it is important to work with the grips and DP as they light a scene, so they can add a flag to cut away boom shadow, and so you know where to be at when they start shooting. With…
Last reply by studiomprd, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 1.5k views
Does anyone have tips and tricks on concealing a Sennheiser ME 104 cardioid lav? I am working in a noisy loft-turned-studio (not sound-proofed), and production rented these lavs as a recommendation from a sound shop professional. I have Sanken Cos-11s that are concealing well, but are picking up more ambient noise that the ME104s, however, all of the tricks and rigs I have made to conceal the ME104s are noisy. The ME104s are accentuating clothing noise that the Sankens don't pick up, and I am hearing more cable noise than I have heard with any other lav I have tried to conceal. Also, without the wind screens, they seem really susceptible to nasal exhalations. I…
Last reply by studiomprd, -
- 17 replies
- 1.5k views
While looking through the multitude of carts (up to about 80 different carts) in the Gallery of Sound Carts, I was struck again by how minimal my cart has always been. I'm wondering if maybe I don't have enough equipment?? When visiting other sets, like yesterday when I visited Don and Max working with Shawn Holden, I always take a very careful look at the sound cart. Shawn's cart is a Magliner-Backstage horizontal type with tons of stuff on it. What does she have that I don't have (besides her good looks)? Here is the layout of my cart: Top Shelf Zaxcom Quad box - 4 receivers and RF Multicoupler Comtek BST-25 Base Station Custom audio monitor amp (3 watts) t…
Last reply by DBurnette, -
- 8 replies
- 839 views
I was bored today and decided to go watch it. Did anyone else that watched this notice the rather obvious lav mic bump under Jaden's shirt throughout the movie?
-
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
I'm giving a very short production sound workshop to would-be PBS TV producers this Tues. in SF. The meat of the program was well-assembled by Jim Feeley (who made the Power Point) and I have a few nuggets of working philosophy to impart, any thoughts from you folks? (I mean, beyond "Point the mic at the person who's talking.") Philip Perkins
Last reply by studiomprd, -
- 2 replies
- 478 views
Last Sunday at Fox Studios there was a panel discussion on the "Produced By" get together on the advantages and pitfalls of abandoning film and tape. Technicolor's VP, theatrical post-production, Marco Bario, a former producer, noted "there's no real way to budget" for post on a digital shoot."It's pretty simple when there's 100,000 feet of film and a certain number of work days and a finished movie that's going to be this long. ... Most studio templates or independent production templates have those (formulas) prebaked." But those formulas don't apply where there are no film magazines and there's no way to know how many hours of footage will come back from the set. O…
Last reply by Marc Wielage, -
- 0 replies
- 517 views
Hey guys, I believe there is a film revolution going on here, and it's NOT in 3D. There's a fundamental shift in how films are going to be produced, a NEW Hollywood, so to speak. As someone who has studied for and aspired to be 'in the system' all my life, I'm a little bit scared of this change, and excited at the same time... needless to say, change can be good, but I'm trying to stay ahead of the game here. First off.. http://www.kickstarter.com/ - a great way to fund your project. I'm sick and tired of people saying that they don't have any money to make a movie, but are going to do it anyway. There's a ton of so called authors, hocking their books, …
Last reply by Richard Ragon, -
- 10 replies
- 999 views
Which scenario would be better/easier for post: 1. Using a timecode based recorder (SD 744t) to record my audio OR 2. Using a multitrack recorder with timecode being feed to one of the channels I realize that devices that stamp timecode are much better, but would it make huge difference?
Last reply by aristotle_kumpis, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
We all know how having good sound is very important and it can make or break you. Well wanted to share an email I received today. I won't say who its from but I'll quote what he wrote me. This guy would not listen to me and I advised over and over. I wanted to work on his project but he ended up treating me like shit and pushed me away. Months later this is what I receive. " Hey Nicole, You’re about to get something you may never get again in this business: an apology. You were right about the importance of a knowledgeable person working the sound and I’m paying that price in editing. I wish I had found a way to afford you and the extra…
Last reply by Marco Lopez, -
- 8 replies
- 852 views
I purchases a couple of "brand new" mics back in 2007. I even waited two weeks since they were on back order. Was doing some research this morning and discovered (based on the serial number) that these mics were actually manufactured prior to 2002. I'm thinking I may have gotten some refurbs without my knowledge. So is it reasonable for a mic to sit on the shelf at the factory for 5 years and then sell it as new. I want to get some thoughts before I contact the company.
Last reply by studiomprd, -
- 18 replies
- 3.9k views
A periodic bane, the stethoscope. Can't use Sticky Stuff, stains the wardrobe. Had some success with Topstick on the round piece. Doesn't stick quite so well to the EMT wardrobe. Thinking of a single baste stitch to the pipe. Any other ideas? Jan
-
- 13 replies
- 1k views
Hi all I am in the middle of a shoot where we are recreating a shipwreck scene in a beachfront tidal pool. We have waves being created by jetskis and salt water being pumped through hoses to create spray. Generally very unpleasant stuff and I am really concerned about my gear in these conditions. I am trying as much as possible to wrap gear with plastic and tape and I have my bag inside a bin liner and am now operating completely wireless from the shore of the tidal pool well away from the spray (only after the jetski sent salt spray over me some of which landed on my recorder) I am sure others out there have had experience with these kind of conditions, I am wo…
Last reply by Jeff Babb,
