A GUIDE TO BETTER SOUND AND GENERAL PRODUCTIVITY.

To all Production Executives

To improve the quality of sound in Film and Television Production, the following guide lines have been issued for the benefit of your production and to save unnecessary costs.

It is recommended that the Sound Mixer is present at Location Recces and Production meetings to give advice on the suitability of locations and offer solutions to problems affecting sound that might be encountered. It is in the interests of quality and economy to enable the Sound Mixer to record usable sound, and artists' performances are usually better if they do not have to be post-produced.

It has been identified that, at present, the main source of extraneous noise on set is the Lighting Equipment. Production Managers and Supervisors should insist that their Lighting Contractors supply silent equipment and that HMI Heads and Chokes are properly maintained and serviced before delivery. HMI chokes using cooling fans should be rejected where possible as this is a major source of sound problems. Sufficient cable extensions should be supplied so that all chokes can be placed well off the set. Similarly, dimming equipment should be as quiet as possible and placed well off set. Generators should be fully sound treated and their placement on location should be done by consultation with the Sound Mixer.

Sufficient time should be allowed before the production to enable the Sound Mixer to discuss costume and footwear with the Wardrobe Department, set construction with the Art Department, in particular where floors are to be built, and talk to Special Effects when fire, water or smoke effects are to be used on set. Considerable savings in the post-production budget can be achieved at this stage. Since it has been noticed that camera noise varies even between different models of the same camera, it is advisable to involve your Sound Mixer in the choice so that the quietest camera is rented. There are tools available to make quick and absolute measurements of camera noise levels.

A general memo to all Crew members working on the floor to wear soft soled shoes and to remind them of the studio red light and bell discipline would be helpful. In addition, issue a reminder that the production wants usable sound and that the Sound Mixer requires co-operation to obtain it where possible.

Make it a strict rule that all mobile phones are switched off on the set when shooting. Similarly, people issued with walkie talkies must take the same care to switch off during takes. Many good takes are ruined and expensive film and time wasted through these omissions.

Where a 'Base Camp' of service vehicles has to be established close to a location set, consider using a single silent generator to supply electricity instead of each vehicle having its own (noisy) generator. Install a red light and bell system on location and at the Base where possible to ensure everybody knows when the camera is running.

Allow time for the Sound Mixer to record wild tracks and sound effects that he/she feels are necessary. These will not only compliment and widen the scope of the sync tracks, but also merge perfectly with them. This can significantly reduce the costs at the Post-production stage.