How to Choose the right location for sound (If that matters to you)
In spite of the evidence and endless claims otherwise, I am convinced that sound is not a priority on most film sets. Why, is that? Simple, you can always fix it later, but changing picture can only be achieved by doing it over and over again.
Getting good or even great sound is not the most difficult challenge a production faces if the production supervisors (producers, location managers and directors) follow a few simple steps. Steps that can save time and big bucks in the looping booth, the foley stage and the editing room.
There are several ways to evaluate a potential location for sound. It begins with inviting someone from the sound department on the location scout. This happens less and less often these days. And as a result, audio problems are minimized or totally forgotten during many scouts.
If this does happen, I suggest that the location manager or another person on the scout bring a small tape recorder. At each location, that person can start the recorder and place it out of the way, but within a reasonable proximity. Make sure they identify each spot. Listening to the recording later will tell you all you much about that locations suitability.
There are some questions that you should be answer before choosing a location. Here are a couple:
1. Does garbage collection day occur on any day you plan to shoot there?
2. How far is the nearest airport, train station or bus stop? If you can hear any of the aforementioned, remember unless your scouting during rush hour (early or late), expect more potential interruptions during peak traffic periods.
3. Is there any construction or street work going on near your location? “Near” implies one block in every direction.
4. If you are planning to use a generator, honey wagon or other noise making apparatus, you need to find out how far away they can be. Only a noisy camera is worse than the sound of a generator for your soundtrack.
5. If you need to shoot in an industrial or business district, is it possible to do it on a weekend? Business owners don’t stop assembly lines, truck shipments, or other factors of commerce to keep you happy. If they aren’t there, like on a weekend, everybody is happy.
6. If you shoot in a residential area, can you do it on a weekday. The earlier in the day the better. Weekends belong to residents, and they will often remind you of that fact. Young children, especially after school hours could care less about how sensitive or important your scene is. Shoot as much dialogue early and avoid the problem
7. Is it possible shooting in any apartment building? It is the worst location ever created. The residents hate it, there is never enough room, bad parking, and restrictions with regard to the production hours.
8. While scouting your location it is good idea to walk up and down the street at least one time. In residential areas it might good to note where the noisy dogs and teenagers are who could be sources of loud music . You get the idea.
9. Apply the same concept to business and industrial locations.
10. If you try to book any practical locations like a bar, a restaurant or a market, you need ask what you can or can’t shut down. If you book the joint while it’s open, don’t waste your time. If it’s going to be after hours, you might have a shot.
11. In every location, make a note of the flooring and the height of the ceilings. Wood floors look great, but are very noisy. High ceilings can create some funky echo’s. In both cases try to use minimize dialogue in those spaces, if possible.
For purposes of this discussion, I have provided a few aspects of location selection as they apply to a practical location. There are several more, but if you incorporate these basics as part of your search you will same an enormous amount time, money and anxiety. You could actually make your day avoiding “another costly sound delay.”
If you have additional questions, suggestions or comments, we welcome your input. This is only the beginning of the conversation. Post your comments or responses on the On The Scene Page. |
