location sound for a film shoot in a hospital

Graham Tobias · 11th April 2007

hey... next week I'm going to be the sound guy for a film shoot in a children's cancer ward.... does anyone have any tips or past experiences involving location sound in hospitals? Anything would be appreciated.

Jim vanBergen · 11th April 2007

Go wired. Leave the RF at home, as a lot of thhe gear in hospitals can create interference.

Bring some alcohol wipes, and wipe down the gear once you get there and again as soon as you leave. Just for everyone's safety.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Graham Tobias · 11th April 2007

thanks! yeah I already have 2 hardwired tram kits signed out. Apparently we're going to have to buy brand new windscreens and only unpackage them in the hospital and stuff like that.. it's going to be an intense week.

leifislive · 11th April 2007

I can only talk from the medical point of view. Usually the biggest problem and issue for patients and staff on childrens cancer wards is hygiene (and sometimes parents...) - kids there practically don't have any immune system while undergoing chemotherapy, so check with the hygiene and nursing stuff early in order to get to know the hospitals regulations what they want you to do. I suppose from your writing you have already done that, so you are fine. They may in fact make you desinfect your equipment before, wear gowns and/or gloves, etc., depending on what you exactly do - this is not complete nonsense. Some patients there need to live in a rather sterile environment.
AFAIK will interferences with most medical devices in use today not be a major issue, but that will depend on the devices used at this hospital. The (medical) staff will hopefully know.
Depending on the ward you may completely interfere with their - sometimes quite busy - working schedule. Best will be again to talk to the staff at the ward some days before and have an open ear...

Best,
Leif

davebl@dircon.c · 11th April 2007

Think people, the patients will be nervous of kit and crew. Dont poke mics and cameras under their nose. Think fly on wall, apart from the fact it will be less intimidating for all, it will make better television. I hope it goes well for you.

Graham Tobias · 11th April 2007

what I'm hoping is that the camera and crew and what not will get the kids excited and create a positive atmosphere.. I hope.

Jarrett · 12th April 2007

I did alot of running guns in hospitals for this show that was on discovery- the noise floor is crazy even if it doesn't appear so right away- the environment is decieving. Shot guns only- you might be tempted to pull out that schoeps for indoor dialog but you will pay for it later- Stick to the 416 (or something like it) Like was posted above- stay away from rf and if you can and obviously lavs will yeild better results for dialog.- WIRED lavs. If you have to boom dialog I can't stress enough to you- gain up and stay as close to the head tops as possible- even the airhandlers in hospitals are crazy loud- of course you can get some of it out with roll off but...thats my 2 cents good luck on your shoot!

soundbarnfool · 12th April 2007

I'd stick with the 416 w/ at least a -10dB pad. Get plenty of room tone (without announcing it). Good luck and always remember the priorities (i.e. if YOU screw up no one dies).

11th April 2007	#1
Graham Tobias Gear maniac Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 281 Thread Starter	location sound for a film shoot in a hospital hey... next week I'm going to be the sound guy for a film shoot in a children's cancer ward.... does anyone have any tips or past experiences involving location sound in hospitals? Anything would be appreciated. __________________ Graham Tobias Chief Engineer/ Owner • GT Mobile Productions MediaStructura, Inc. Boston, MA http://www.grahamtobias.com graham@mediastructura.com

12th April 2007	#7
Jarrett Gear interested Joined: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 10	Diagnosis unknown I did alot of running guns in hospitals for this show that was on discovery- the noise floor is crazy even if it doesn't appear so right away- the environment is decieving. Shot guns only- you might be tempted to pull out that schoeps for indoor dialog but you will pay for it later- Stick to the 416 (or something like it) Like was posted above- stay away from rf and if you can and obviously lavs will yeild better results for dialog.- WIRED lavs. If you have to boom dialog I can't stress enough to you- gain up and stay as close to the head tops as possible- even the airhandlers in hospitals are crazy loud- of course you can get some of it out with roll off but...thats my 2 cents good luck on your shoot!

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11th April 2007	#2
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	Go wired. Leave the RF at home, as a lot of thhe gear in hospitals can create interference. Bring some alcohol wipes, and wipe down the gear once you get there and again as soon as you leave. Just for everyone's safety. Hope this helps, Jim

11th April 2007	#4
leifislive Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 178	I can only talk from the medical point of view. Usually the biggest problem and issue for patients and staff on childrens cancer wards is hygiene (and sometimes parents...) - kids there practically don't have any immune system while undergoing chemotherapy, so check with the hygiene and nursing stuff early in order to get to know the hospitals regulations what they want you to do. I suppose from your writing you have already done that, so you are fine. They may in fact make you desinfect your equipment before, wear gowns and/or gloves, etc., depending on what you exactly do - this is not complete nonsense. Some patients there need to live in a rather sterile environment. AFAIK will interferences with most medical devices in use today not be a major issue, but that will depend on the devices used at this hospital. The (medical) staff will hopefully know. Depending on the ward you may completely interfere with their - sometimes quite busy - working schedule. Best will be again to talk to the staff at the ward some days before and have an open ear... Best, Leif

11th April 2007	#5
davebl@dircon.c Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 277	Think people, the patients will be nervous of kit and crew. Dont poke mics and cameras under their nose. Think fly on wall, apart from the fact it will be less intimidating for all, it will make better television. I hope it goes well for you.

12th April 2007	#8
soundbarnfool Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 856	I'd stick with the 416 w/ at least a -10dB pad. Get plenty of room tone (without announcing it). Good luck and always remember the priorities (i.e. if YOU screw up no one dies).