For those who ignore audio when making films...

[Daniel Rutter]

Yeah, I reckon there's already one of these, but to chuck another on the pile...

I've been out of the narrative filming game for a while now, I haven't had much of a chance to film anything since the collab I did with my friend called "True Crime", so when he came over for the easter holidays I snapped up the opportunity to actually do some filming. I wrote a script in a day, edited over another two... and shot it today. I focused on visuals, attempted to focus on directing the actor(s) and completely forgot about audio. It's been that long since a shoot, that I forgot about the goddamn audio.

Needless to say, using crappy audio equipment might ruin a film, but even those crappy pieces of equipment can be used effectively (in a pinch). This is more of a side "advice" type thing: Don't bother buying expensive mics and recorders if you're only gonna chuck them on the camera and forget about them.

Remember that audio is the thing that can ruin your film. A poorly framed shot is something one can overlook... but lalalala audio isn't.

Anyway, just a quick rant

[Janke]

Yup, either have lavs (wireless or with hidden recorder) on your talent, or a dedicated boom person...

Crappy audio = amateur work.

[BarteS]

I'm actually amazed it's not muscle memory by now. It's one of those well known bits, it's not that the mic on your camera are totally useless (for starters to sync cameras), it's just the unfortunate part of it being on top of the camera. This makes it just a 'blairwitch camera' (good visuals optional). Want to get 'good' audio, get it close. Want to get excellent quality, get the right mic. Want to get stellar quality, get the right great mic (and all other bits and pieces).

[Janke]

A super, very expensive mic in the wrong place is worse than a cheap mic in the right place.

(The AT-3350 lav + a H1 recorder is a good example of the latter...)

[BarteS]

Hey, did I suggest otherwise? Possibly it's just because I did not add it is supposed to be considered a sequence. Start from 'the top', do the first things first (placement, type, quality). And yes...it's a simplification of reality.
And yes, I use sort of the same route...for now I did invest in two Roland R-05 recorders and two ATR3350 lavs, I still have to modify the lavs though. Those batteries will become a problem some day....

[Gillvane]

This is why, IMO, a crew helps. The more people you have to do other jobs, the more you can concentrate on directing .

If you're lighting, camera operating, doing sound, set design, wardrobe, etc., your attention is split and something will suffer.

Naturally we often don't have the luxury of a crew, but being able to depend on a good sound crew is awesome.

[MalfunctioningHuman]

Yes, audio is definitely overlooked a lot by starting filmmakers. Good audio (and sound design) can effectively transform your film.

[Almohada]

This is why, IMO, a crew helps. The more people you have to do other jobs, the more you can concentrate on directing .

True. But only if the crew stays on task!!!! NEVER use a lot of friends. Maybe two or three you can trust. Get those who are dedicated and get something done.

[charlie_tango]

Good audio (and sound design) can effectively transform your film.

That is for sure! But the major problem is the one-man-crew situation...

NEVER use a lot of friends. Maybe two or three you can trust. Get those who are dedicated and get something done.

But what would you do if you're doing it for free?