CAS Quarterly

C A S Q U A R T E R L Y I S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 93 BO O K R E V I E W WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SOUND CART, STAYS BEHIND THE SOUND CART—NOT ANYMORE A PEAK BEHIND THE SOUND CART educational side of sound. From gear to job procedurals, the author walks through the entirety of being a sound utility on set and preparing newcomers for the expectations of the job. Chapters 8 (Equipment), 10 (Expendables), and 11 (Production) walk through vital basics for anyone newly entering the industry as it covers the spectrum of sound gear, sound accessories, and a call sheet walkthrough. From tapes to the first day on set, the chapters are the tell- all beginner's guide. Those entering from film school or who are more familiar with being on set might find Chapters 13 (Booming), 14 (Plant Microphones), and 15 (Wiring) more their speed. These chapters focus on technique and the hands-on job of a utility. From the creativity of car rigs and wiring to the precision of booming, the chapters tackle the art of a sound utility and all that it may entail— including being called upon for a second unit booming (and insight on the technique of booming). While Behind the Sound Cart may not go into the full technique of wiring like Thomas Popp's Down to the Wire, Mierzwa offers insight into frequency coordination, the world of wireless, costumes, and working with high-level talent. Even the most experienced utility might garner a handful of new wiring and plant ideas with photos of some of her more creative rigs included. While the general target audience may be newcomers to the industry, Mierzwa offers insights for all experience levels. One of the most helpful resources offered in the book comes in the very back with a slew of the paperwork one may encounter on set. After a long hiatus, one may seek a refresher on time cards, transportation run sheets, or L&D slips. Along with set paperwork, the author offers helpful templates for day playing notes, Comtek directories, or daily task checklists. She also offers her own insights to financial strategies, negotiations, and mentoring that one may have never tackled in their own career. If b y C A S A s s o c i a t e m e m b e r W h i t n e y Wo r t h e n that's not enough, Mierzwa answers a chapter's worth of those burning questions one may have always wanted to ask but always felt too foolish to ask. One thing a reader may realize throughout the book is that one is never too old to learn tricks. Whether simply offering a different perspective on how things are done or teaching someone a new technique, Behind the Sound Cart offers an abundance of insight into the ever-evolving world of production sound.

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