General Discussion
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5,067 topics in this forum
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TV v Movies
by Guest Mick- 23 replies
- 3.6k views
I'm going to catch some flak for this but it might raise some interest so here goes.... A mixer with an extensive resume of TV shows and run and gun documentaries goes to interview for a movie. Quote:"You have a lot of TV experience, but what movies have you done?" Answer: "You realize that TV is usually much more difficult than movies, we do typically between thirty and forty setups a day with multiple speaking parts all on wireless and don't have a large looping budget so a huge percentage of production dialogue is not only necessary but mandatory?" Quote: "But what movies have you done? Answer: "You know that my personal best is sixty seven setups i…
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- 9 replies
- 2.3k views
On the set, someone inevetibaly has to make fun of the boom operator and his/her ability to break the film with an annoying shadow. This is often kept in jest by singing a popular tune and cleverly replacing a word or words to make it fit appropriately. The one heard most often is Cat Stevens "Moonshadow" becoming "I'm being followed by a boom shadow..." Then there's the dance tune, "boom,boom,boom, let's go back to my room..." which rings well with the promiscuous hipster crowd. My favorite, which I always have to explain the source, comes from "The Three Amigos" where, if I remember right, Steve Martin is singing at the campfire with the others, the horses are …
Last reply by Bob Marts, -
- 7 replies
- 2.2k views
To bring up a favorite subject, I've aimed searches and found 'wireless' and 'boom' mentioned variously here, but not necessarily head on. What are some of the recognizeable differences between the two? When should it matter to use one or the other? Projects range from friends putting together zero budget meaningful fun to large scale 'can't miss a beat or heads will roll'. The expectations from the sound department seem to vary as well. Some are happy enough with what I consider poor quality, often times on larger scale productions. As has been mentioned before, some directors are willing to post/ADR various ammounts of their work. I don't think anyone really want…
Last reply by larry long, -
- 1 reply
- 1.3k views
Thank you Jeff for posting the invitation to the camera local's screening of "WHE NEEDS SLEEP?". The documentary was informative and entertaining. I spotted some cameo's: Jeff, Moe, thought I might have seen a Don. It was most interesting to listen to the discussion afterword (I spared them my babbling search for eloquence). There were high ranking reps from the camera union participating in the discussion. Haskell Wexler and a producer friend were moderating the Q & A session. It seems know one has any solution to achieving shorter work days for the film industry here in the states. Is it really so, that in some parts of the world they ONLY work eight or ten…
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Jim Webb on this forum?
by Guest tourtelot- 5 replies
- 1.8k views
Anyone know Jimmy well enough to talk him into becoming a contributing member of this forum. I did half a show with him (and NO, he didn't fire me<g>) and he had some stories!! It was a pleasure to stand by the cart, in the truck, after I had run miles of "horse-cock" to the set (phweew!) and hear the tales. I'd love to hear more, so if anyone considers themself a friend and is persuasive, can you make this work? D.
Last reply by old school, -
- 3 replies
- 1.5k views
Hello, Im prepping for a show that will use multiple F900. I am running a 744 and a Boom Recorder (maiden voyage). Now ive been doing some reading on ramps and www.cinematography.net on how to approach this and i have to say that my head hurts. It seams that no 2 people can agree on the basics. Sound engineers and Video engineers seem to have a completly different opinion on the matter. Do the F900's handle external TC with dignity or is it not worth my trouble and would it be simpler to treat this a a fiml shoot? I thought of using lockit boxes, but it seams that video engineers seem to think that a lockit box suppling free run tc to camera is just about the…
Last reply by old school, -
- 7 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi I remember with great fondness reading Visions of Light, the book about cinematographers and their work and experiences. I am sure there are a number of sound mixers who could share their experiences and stories. Before the great mixers of the yesteryears fade away into oblivion, I thought it would be very relevant and truly great for a book like Visions of Light to be written... best -vin
Last reply by old school, -
- 9 replies
- 2.7k views
The following post stems from the posting 'deadly mic-technique' under GENERAL DISCUSSION http://jwsound.net/SMF/index.php?topic=483.0 I recieved responses both in public and private on the issues I raised concerning electric safety and the sound team on the set. I contacted Bill Whitlock who has lectured to the IATSE 695 sound union in these regards. He holds the title: President and Chief Engineer, Jenson Transformers, which manufactures many of the professional generators we use in high budget film production. Coincidentaly, Mr. Whitlock was asked by the National Systems Contractors Association to investigate the tradgedy I referenced where Kyle Lake, a Pastor…
Last reply by David Terry, -
total discount
by Guest RicchieM- 1 reply
- 1.3k views
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Last reply by EZstreetMcKee, -
- 14 replies
- 3.6k views
While writing a post today about the origin of the word lavalier (it's all RVD's fault), I said something about women's knotted scarves (like I said, it's all RVD's fault), and a question popped into my mind. I have never seen a post on this site, or on RAMPS, from a woman. How come? There are women directors, women cinematographers, etc. Are there no women sound people, or do they just have better things to do with their time than participate in discussions about toys for boys? Cheers, Rory
Last reply by larry long, -
- 2 replies
- 1.8k views
Hello everyone! As of right now, I am working on an independent horror film, and having a problem getting a lavalier to stay on the talent. The sound mixer wants me to tape the lavalier (a countryman B6) to his shirt...this worked great for the first week, right in the middle of his chest (btw it is a very very thin black shirt, with holes in it) with a little knot in the cable near the head. However, now we are having an issue getting the microphone to stick because he just "killed" the cop, and has blood ALL over his shirt. The shirt is really tight on him, and he has stressed to the director that he doesnt want to have a lav taped to his chest (he is hairy) - …
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I would like to buy alpaca clothers, need help
by Guest Irena23- 0 replies
- 974 views
I have alpaca sweater, I like it a lot, but it already enough old, so I'm looking for a new one. I have seen many places in Internet with alpaca clothers, but most often I'm not satisfied with the price of sweaters. I believe that $80-150 (or even more) for one sweater is too much. Finally I have found one place with cheap alpaca sweaters, they sell wholesale alpaca products. Well, I'm thinking to make "test purchase" with them, but before I would like to hear your opinion. Probably you had some experience with the question? Here is the place http://alpacaproductwholesale.com/
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Smart message
by Guest sGefferson- 0 replies
- 1.1k views
Hi all! It'd be great for small clips and what not, but 3.7 or 2.5 would make me go insane. I'm thinking more about the TV out on the dock. No more burning DVDs! Thanks for your great site! bingo. blackjack. casino. gambling. poker. roulette. free slots. slots. G'night
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- 12 replies
- 5k views
I'm a boom operator and have seen many others wear gloves when they operate the pole. I've tried this a couple of times and was not satisfied. I've come up with a few considerations: gloves keep natural grease and oils from your hands off the pole which may help in keeping the pole clean-I like to clean equipment on a regular basis anyway; it certainly keeps your hands clean––if you must adjust a wire on an actor, it's nice to have hands already free from dirt; occasionally, when having to move the hands on the pole, if in a warm invironment, the hands might tend to cling to the pole and create a small booming or popping noise when making adjustments; once in a while …
Last reply by EZstreetMcKee, -
- 6 replies
- 1.9k views
Maybe someone out there can help me figure this puzzle out. I use my 744T on a regular basis and still use DAT as backup (just insecure I guess). I transfer my files using fire wire to my PC and burn a DVD-R. The system works, the post folks are generally happy (relative term...) and everything is okay. Except... On two jobs recently, both which required using the DVD-R post telecine. There were complaints that the level was way too low. In both cases I was unable to find out what they were using to import the files. The only common factor was that both incidents happened outside the US. (Don't worry there is not a conspiracy theory about to happen) One time…
Last reply by Philip Perkins, -
digging in porridge
by Guest Mick- 11 replies
- 2k views
We've all had to deal with actors that mumble and deliver dialogue at a level that's barely moving the meter. Just today I have to deal with an actor whose delivery is so incoherent and low level that even a Sanken about seven inches from his mouth was unable to make sense of the unintelligible sounds that were passing for dialogue. In cases like these I thank Cooper for the mid range parametric EQ on my mixer. I really don't think that I could deal with some of these types of issues without it. I read a lot about mixers that shun EQ and disregard what I feel is a very useful tool in the kit. It's unfortunate that occasionally I have to resort to a wireless lavalier to re…
Last reply by Philip Perkins, -
- 13 replies
- 2.8k views
What do you guys send to clients when they request an invoice? Any special forums or programs you use or just a email/letter.
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Cheap software
by Guest jeanoferucci- 6 replies
- 1.7k views
Hi, guys! Does anybody knows where to buy software for cheap? I walked around a lot of services, and the best prices for GretagMacbeth ProfileMaker Professional 5.0.2 i found here: http://tender.masterbell.net If you know something about that online store, please give your review!
Last reply by curleysound, -
- 17 replies
- 3.1k views
Hi I have been asked to hold some teaching sessions at a new film school out here. The students are young - average age 22 and a mix of wannabe directors/producers/actors/cameramen/editors/soundos. The first set of lectures are on Basics of Sound. I have been preparing sessions to talk about fundamental concepts and definitions. Frequency, Amplitude, Wavelength, Timbre, Pitch, Loudness, etc. I was wondering how long can I keep the attention of say - a kid who wants to be an actor while explaining these concepts. Also without too much math/physics/equations, maybe avoiding equations totally from the picture. I wanted to do this in such a way that the kid will not only …
Last reply by OscarL, -
ENG
by Guest Mick- 4 replies
- 1.5k views
I like ENG guys. They come to our set almost every week and I try to be as obliging as possible knowing that not only do they have a tough job, but that I worked ENG for a long time and have felt their pain. In fact it was O.J., The Menendez brothers and Michael Jackson who, combined, provided me with enough hours to fulfill my medical insurance obligations while I was lugging around audio equipment for the now defunct "Hard Copy" I have built an XLR line level output into the frame of my cart so that they can plug in and set up a TX without any fuss. The reason I posted this today, other than too much MOS work on the set, is that I was told by an ENG colleague who was wo…
Last reply by Philip Perkins, -
- 5 replies
- 1.9k views
One of the most important topics covered by Don Coufal's outstanding "What Is Good Sound" lecture recently presented by our union, Local 695, was the responsibility of the sound crew. Many times Don made the statement that on every movie, from little projects all the way up to major movies with a crew of hundreds, there is really only 3 people on the movie who are the guardians of the soundtrack. We hope to put up this lecture, along with many of the other events we have held, on the Local 695 website. In the meantime, I was pleased to go to the website of one of our members here who goes by the moniker "curleysound" (and hasn't yet actuallty formally been identified).…
Last reply by curleysound, -
- 2 replies
- 1.3k views
Does anyone know the sound mixer on this project? It's called "The Darjeeling Limited". This is going to be shot in India, and I have some pre-shoot work coming up on it, and would definitely like to have a chat with the mixer. best -vin
Last reply by soundtrane, -
- 10 replies
- 2.2k views
I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately, and have heard some valuable insight from mixers and editors about where they think the industry is heading. RF spectrum being sold, no more lead manufacturing, more competition, and so on and so forth. I am more interested in where the technology is heading. Here are a couple of ideas (take with a few thousand grains of salt), feel free to add your own: - Satellite-based wireless: send your signal directly to satellite and have your audio recording transfer in real time to a studio. Eliminate deliveries and save manpower for other tasks. Imagine having your pre-fade iso tracks go directly to a post production house (or…
Last reply by cmgoodin, -
- 4 replies
- 2.1k views
Hello, I'm working on a small indie feature and in about a week we will move production (for the next 2 weeks) into a makeshift studio. The problem is that the space has a thin metal roof, and rain is on the way. I calculated that to apply 2 inch hogs hair to cover the 3400 square feet required is a cost the production simply can't handle. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any alternative materials I can use? Bartek.
Last reply by Bartek, -
- 12 replies
- 2.6k views
I was on location today and the scene at hand involved three teens on a raft, about thirty feet off shore (zombie bait), the water only about waist deep. The mixer (not named on purpose) insisted I take the boom pole, with CABLE and walk out into the lake, skin to water, and boom the scene (not wireless--his excuse being "low budget companies will dissipate before making good on insurance claims from things like the wireless setup falling into the lake"). Keeping a light tone, but serious, I said, "Hell no! I'm not walking into a lake with ANY kind of electric cable." At first he thought I was kidding, however he soon realized I wasn't. At this point, 2nd unit had been…
Last reply by redge,
