Production Sound & Video

Spring 2021 – LOCAL695.ORG 35 Boom Operators wait a couple of seconds after the clapper board has left frame before swinging into position and 'busting' the frame, which gives each take its own unique couple of seconds of 'plate' (particularly important if there is changing light through a window, etc.). The ability to remove booms from moving shots is also getting more inexpensive each year. Some Directors recognise that VFX boom removal and ADR both have a financial cost, but ADR has a potential performance penalty. VFX removal protects the cast's original performances. Depending on the Director, DP, VFX Supervisor and budget, the Sound Mixer and Boom Operators must skilfully navigate the discussion. We can either 'make or break' boom removal depending on our technical knowledge of what is possible to be achieved, and our ability to articulate it eloquently. Computing Skills We are expected to be well versed in the world of computers not only to keep our equipment up to date, including recorders, radio mics, and timecode, but also to have the ability to use ancillary equipment such as Pro Tools, iZotope, Cedar DNS, Dante, and many other plugins. We have to interface with our sound equipment: from firmware updates, knowledge of hard drives, CF cards, Micro SD cards, formats, and workflows. It really pays to have at least one member of the sound team who is an expert in both PC and MAC as we encounter dozens of issues over the course of a show that requires an in-depth knowledge of both operating systems. It would literally be impossible to run a modern sound team without having instant access to that expertise at all times as we problem solve and interface with computer equipment to creatively perform our jobs. Conclusion Modern Sound Departments need to have old school skills that previous generations of sound teams had in abundance, but also the ability to keep adding to our knowledge and remain current. Equipment is literally changing show-to-show in our department and all the other departments collectively. Without collaboration, our ability to provide creative solutions for Directors and cast are limited. The more knowledge we have, not just in our own domain but of other departments, allows us a greater advantage to provide brilliant sound recordings, and the all-important performances we have been hired to support and protect. House of Cards

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