Wardrobe works with
hair and make up, set designers talk with the lighting department, the script
supervisor is talking to other assistant directors, the director is talking to
the DP and actors, and sound is left to fend for themselves. Eavesdropping on
conversations to listen for details on the next shot, observing camera placement
and asking for lens and blocking details, all the while everyone is rushing
around communicating and collaborating with each other to pull off the next
shot. And all the while the sound department is expected to keep track of
everything and are trusted to figure out any logistical problems that may arise
with the next set up, and quickly.
The respect they have
for the sound department can also be a curse. Just as we trust them to do their
jobs well and set up the visual aspect of the film, they trust us to handle the
aural aspects. Many crewmembers may not know anything about the principles of
sound and what it takes to accomplish what we need to get a quality recording. That
is understandable, but when they do not take the time to appreciate what we do
that is when problems happen. Yes, my boom is in your shot, yes you can see my
shadow, no you did not consult me before setting up, or making changes.
In a highly
collaborative art like filmmaking, the sound department should be there from
the beginning. Location scouting, script revisions, blocking, shot set up, they
all influence our ability to contribute to the quality of the finished product.
Everyone wants to make a mad dash in post-production sound design to get us to
complete the film on schedule. If the sound recorded on set was rushed, more
work must be done to fix it. For some productions we weren’t there for
pre-production meetings, were found last minute for production, and are
expected to make it pristine in post.
Respecting the sound
crew should not be limited to trusting us to do our thing because you think we
are just that good. It means realizing everything you do affects everything we do.
It means appreciating our contribution to the film and collaborating and
communicating effectively with us from the inception of the project to make
sure production runs smoothly so we can all achieve the artistic vision to better tell
the story to the audience.
This is a good overview of sound for film and specifically some of the challenges that come with it. It speaks to some of the challenges we can solve if we can just work together and communicate within departments.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Oscar. I also would group score composers in here as well. They need to be aware what the overall vision of the project is to help them compose a better score.
ReplyDeleteThere is a certain professionalism that everyone should have when going into projects involving a large crew and I agree that pre-production is key. Communicating with the director and showing him that you are serious about what you do upfront could certainly go a long way. Unfortunately we may not always be working with someone who cares how you get the job done, but just want you get it done right. What people need to realize is that these projects are bigger than just them. It truly is a team effort. I guess one way to think of it is as a well oiled machine. For it to work optimally every part must work together. This is when some of the best projects are made! Great insight to what one goes through on a film set!
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, Ivan. I have worked on some smaller, but very professional sets and have loved every project I've been a part of. I think you made a good point on people realizing it is not just about them, because if they start out ignoring sound and I expressed to them my concerns, or they see my difficulties and empathize with my frustrations then they end up learning to consult and communicate with us more often.
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me that in creating "highly collaborative" art forms, many artists prefer to work alone. But as you have indicated, "every part must work together"!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed too, BrandStakeout. Unfortunately, there are a lot of the egos and delusions of grandeur. Or there people who can't handle the pressure. Either way, people think they don't need your help, or they are too afraid to ask. That's why it's important to build a good team of like-minded, passionate people to better facilitate synergy.
ReplyDelete