Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1178376
That's a big question! Mostly, the work is the same for sound. The hierarchy of how things operate is slightly different. Grips and electrics (aka sparks) have different responsibilities from their American counterparts. Terminology is also often different as well. Do the UK directors have a better understanding of location sound and its importance in the process, or do they see sound as 'button-pushers' who need to keep quiet? The UK directors, for the most part, have been very interested in getting good sound. As I often say, "It's not my sound, it's yours," as they will most often be taking everything into the edit. They know that the actor's performance is best on the day and ADR is not the preferred solution. But like anything else, location and conditions sometime have an inclimate effect on the recordings. For example, today we are filming in the busiest part of Bath, in front of the Abbey and Roman Baths. It's a crazy busy area full of tourists and buskers (aka street performers), which we don't have any control of. Generally, we shoot a wide master, then tighten up as we go in for (hopefully) matching headrooms. Are you using different kit there that we Yanks don't know about but ought to? Nah, same stuff, really! Just different frequencies available for use to those who have registered with Ofcom (the UK's regulator of communication services). Basically, Block 23-ish is aka Block 606. There are a handful of others you can use freely. You can use other frequencies, but you must book them in with Ofcom and pay a daily fee per channel. My main cart is based around a Cantar X3 and Lectrosonics wireless. I'm exclusively using DPA Core 6060 lavs for all my cast. Such brilliant pieces of kit! One thing of note for the UK, On the Wales River for The Trial of Christine Keeler. Joseph Gidley (2AS), Chris Durfy CAS, and Michael Sinden (1AS). In Rabat, Morocco, for Castle Rock. On Invisible with the Bath Abbey over my shoulder and the Roman Baths to the right. With David Harbour on the set of Hellboy. Anyone up for a swim? On the set of Swimming With Men.