When you’re shooting your video the on-location sound is often very important. I say “often” because sometimes the sound doesn’t matter - the shot is to be made MOS. This literally means “mitt out sound”, from long ago on a film set when the crew were making fun of the German Director’s accent.
When, however, the sound IS important here are some tips to help ensure the best quality.
1. If you must use the camera’s built in microphone (mic. for short), working on a wider angle lens to allow you camera to be closer to the subject is usually better than having the camera (and its mic.) further back and using a zoom in to compose the shot. You want the mic. as close to the subject as possible.
2. If your camera has a headphone output always use a good quality set of headphones. The ones with plush ear cups are far better to screen out ambient sounds than ear buds. If the camera operator is also responsible for sound he or she should wear the headphones. If you have a dedicated sound person (boom operator, etc.) then that person should wear the “cans” if possible. Someone has to listen for mic. pops, wind or other stray sounds that would ruin the sound track.
3. If your mic. is on a boom pole the camera operator and the boom operator should agree on how close the mic. can be without getting in the shot BEFORE the camera rolls. This is not always possible (especially in documentary shooting), but if your shoot is scripted and carefully blocked (as in dramatic, commercials and some corporate videos) it’s a good idea.
4. Running your microphone cord parallel to electrical cords can often cause a hum in the sound. Where possible lay your cord so that it crosses electrical cords at right a right angle. That way there’s less contact with the electrical radiation coming from the electrical cord.
5. Use wireless microphones where possible. If there is no radio interference and where wires would be a hinderance it is a great convenience not to have to lay wires. It will also make for a cleaner wide shot to have your subject wearing a wireless mic. as there will be no cord in the shot.
OK - there’s probably many more tips to come, but that’s it for now.
More info on this topic at:
http://www.mikesdvp.com
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