Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1314046
18 FA L L 2 0 2 0 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y HANDS-OFF APPROACH OR OPTIONS AS USUAL? It would not be my preference to take the hands- off approach, and not (at least try to) think of some useful options and attempt to be a team player. We're busy, sure, but discussions and some pre-planning can go a long way in allowing us to go above and beyond our call of duty— without making extra work for ourselves on shooting days. Many things in the COVID-19 pandemic work environment are going to be assessed on a "show-by-show" basis. While some shows will not require anything above and beyond what was done pre-pandemic (communication-wise), some shows may require communication needs that will be fulfilled by an isolated intercom setup provided by personnel outside your direct purview (hopefully, union represented and not subcontracted services). Careful consideration should be paid either way, but it is indeed hard to say what will be needed in this temporarily "Wild West" time we find ourselves in. Of course, we could prep for a number of communication scenarios to find that they're used heavily at first and then, eventually, the need fades. Story of our lives, right? Though, I don't think the effort would be in vain if they got some initial use. There's no shame in building and preparing and not needing the full display of your efforts. We do it all the time in production sound. "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best," and know your over- preparedness was meaningful, especially when you look in the rear-view mirror of a production that went smoothly. CLEAN AND SANITIZED Speaking of the desire for things to go smoothly, this is uncharted territory and is cause for some nervousness during my pre-production period of "soft prep." I'm not nervous about cleaning the equipment that exchanges between our department and others, including cast, camera, script, ADs, and producers. We have always sanitized our equipment that goes out and comes back. Honestly, the main difference is we will be doing it more often and more carefully now. What makes me nervous is there are varying degrees of anxiety that come from different parts of the cast and crew. My goal is to make everyone comfortable and let them know that we are doing everything in our power to provide clean sound equipment as part of our package and that anything they are in proximity of is safe, functional, and sanitized thoroughly without any compromise. TO UVC OR NOT TO UVC? Not something Hamlet ever had to ponder, but something we now do. First, a general definition. Ultraviolet C (UVC) light can be referred to as "germicidal" radiation because it can kill bacteria and inactivate viruses. However, it can be a health hazard to eyes and skin if exposed directly. Another type that's similar in killing germs and deemed safe for human tissue is "far-UVC." So, with this, should UVC (or far-UVC) be used for our gear? This tricky question seems to have a different answer from everyone I ask. Some are fully on board with providing the most professional level, high-grade UVC devices; clipped to their belt while having every incentive to keep it handy and not lose it, I'm afraid I can't always say the same for every director. This is not a dig on directors. I just feel like they understandably have their focus directed elsewhere, and it may be more common for them to misplace an issued, loose, handheld microphone. The solution I'm working out involves a lectern-style "gooseneck" microphone plugged into a push-to- talk base or pass-through device that's elegantly rigged to their personal video village within arm's reach. This microphone would be plugged into an XLR-style plug-on transmitter that would link directly to a wireless receiver rigged to a tiny, battery-powered speaker that's placed on set near the talent. This setup would alleviate the need for the signal to run through my rig. However, you'd need to make sure the wireless system does not create any hash on the receiver output when the batteries die in either the transmitter or receiver. I'm often asked why I never sell any of my plug- on transmitters and seem to have an overabundance of them in my kit, even if some are of an older variety. Well, they've proven to be handy little problem solvers again and again. My cleaning cart is ready for action.