Stephen Saldanha Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Whether it's taking up a mixing/booming role or just as an assist, I imagine that in some of you guys' long career you might have found little things that every once in a while or quite often come in handy on your projects or just something that does something nifty that some people wouldn't think of, well I hope there is something otherwise this will be awkward haha. I'm currently trying to find some work to start my career here in NZ and want to try learn and do the best I can from the getgo and obviously make mistakes to learn from along the way, I'm more of a post guy and had mentality that it's better to be the guy that fixes the problems than to be the one causing them on set as in I don't like the thought of any screw ups I make result in having to give more work for the guy in post, but reading some of the insightful information here got my confidence up on doing more production sound mixing which is primarily what I did at film school last year. Thanks guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Woodcock Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 It depends, have you any experience on a proper job? The normal path is to start as an assistant then work your way to a boom operator. Don't buy any kit until that stage as you may find its not for you and then you have made an expensive mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJKapp Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 C-Stand and a Boommate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Your own headphones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VASI Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Talk with Ande Schurr.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Your own headphones. Headphones are like underwear you should really wear your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason porter Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 or your girlfriends... Headphones are like underwear you should really wear your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Patience and initiative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Sorensen Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 For starting out assisting/booming, your mixer should have you covered on gear (as stated, bring your own cans). During these times, I feel the best you can do is make sure your mind and body can work effectively for 12-16 hours (proper clothes, shoes, hydration, etc.). A multi-tool of some fashion couldn't hurt. Brett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacefivesound Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 In any assistant role, you won't look as green with headphones (as stated many times now), also an AC pouch, some sharpies and pens, a notepad, a flashlight, a multitool, and some gloves for that late night nasty cable wrap! If you stash a small multimeter in there, and you know how to use it, you just might be someones new regular. Also, when I utility for films, I like to bring a clipboard tin, to keep daily time sheets and time cards organized. It can be very helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Woodcock Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 A head touch is better than a plain old flash light can't wrap cables one handed at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old school Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Bring the thing between your ears... Listen 1st and foremost. A good attitude is a must. Have fun always. CrewC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 or your girlfriends... My official laugh of the day !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Norflus Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 or your girlfriends... You wear your girlfriends headphones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Visser Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 I would absolutely never wear my girlfriend's underwear. When I tried, they were too tight to pull all the way up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim M Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Nice comfortable all day shoes. I've realized it is hard to listen to anyone when my freakin feet were killing me. I found this tidbit to actually be one of my biggest breakthroughs. Richard Patton mentions having a certain degree of looking good...you don't have to go as far are CrewC and be a pimp daddy, but pick some shoes that work with your feet and can get you through the whole day and then some. I always wonder some days when a producer is starting to get bitchy or something then I look down at her feet and see some atrocious flatfooted glamour bombs and realize what the problem is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Woodcock Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 you don't have to go as far are CrewC and be a pimp daddy, Haha that made my day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Saldanha Posted January 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Talk with Ande Schurr.. I actually know Ande he too studied at the same film school as I and was a guest lecturer when I enrolled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Nice comfortable all day shoes. I've realized it is hard to listen to anyone when my freakin feet were killing me. I found this tidbit to actually be one of my biggest breakthroughs. Richard Patton mentions having a certain degree of looking good...you don't have to go as far are CrewC and be a pimp daddy, but pick some shoes that work with your feet and can get you through the whole day and then some. I always wonder some days when a producer is starting to get bitchy or something then I look down at her feet and see some atrocious flatfooted glamour bombs and realize what the problem is. I can go for that bit of advice.. don't dress like you just came from the soup kitchen.... even if you did don't dress that way for a job. The way you present reflects on the way the people hiring look to the client and that can be the difference between being asked back for another job and not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Thueson Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 Some of these have been mentioned, but this is my personal short list: - 3M Transpore tape - White paper tape: I use this to slap a non-permanent, non-damaging label on something if needed - Gaffer's tape: Great for taping something up that needs to stay stuck all day. Be careful using it on painted surfaces, I've even pulled up floor boards removing gaff tape that was stuck for a few days - Small Scissors: I use these a lot, easily overlooked - Headlamp: The Rayovac heavy duty is cheap and very bright, around $15 at Home Depot. You might be able to find it online. Only two brightness settings is great, I hate the lamps that have 10 different settings. - Gloves: I like the $4 Gorilla Grip gloves for wrapping cable. They keep my hands clean, cool, and retain a lot of dexterity. I can stuff them in a pocket and it's not too big of deal if I lose them. - Sharpie: everyone on set should have at least one of these - Safety pins - Top-stick - Caribiners - Velcro ties - Multitool, Screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, allen wrenches A lot of people like to use Procell AA batteries, but I keep a set of NimH rechargeable AA's and a charger on me. I just don't like throwing a bunch of batteries away at the end of the day, even if production is paying for them. Aside from the batteries, you could probably get all the other stuff for less than $50US total. AC bags are expensive, you can get something similar for a few dollars at a hardware store. Good call on the multimeter too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sounddguy Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 If you are working on slab concrete changing shoes half way through the day can make a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Thueson Posted January 25, 2013 Report Share Posted January 25, 2013 On that note, bring extra socks too. Hot and sweaty or wet feet can ruin your day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted January 25, 2013 Report Share Posted January 25, 2013 On that note, bring extra socks too. Hot and sweaty or wet feet can ruin your day. one more reason the old moleskin stays in my bag even if it is not my first choice for mounting the mic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted January 25, 2013 Report Share Posted January 25, 2013 I like Deichen's suggestion: breath-mint gum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Saldanha Posted January 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2013 I like Deichen's suggestion: breath-mint gum! Yup and can't forget deodorant when booming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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