Location recording for film, dialogue vs ambiance

[SoundWeavers]

Hi folks,

I've been asked to take care of audio for a feature film. Lots of dialogue. I have the gear, wireless lapel mics, shotgun mics on boom poles, PZM mics.

What's your approach? shotgun mic or lapel mics for dialogue?

I'm concerned using lapels on actors might affect their performance.

But if I use one shotgun for dialogue, will it cause more work during post especially on interleaving dialog. Do I use two shotguns for dialogue then? I definitely don't want actors to dub dialog later, need to capture crystal clear dialog on location.

Also, do you use gate on dialog during recording? Especially on outdoor shots/scenes?

thanks in advance.

Gerry

[Karl_Lohninger]

There seems to be this wave lately.....: I'm going to be the sound mixer on a feature film and I have the gear (!) and I have no clue (!).

All fine and dandy, but shouldn't the horse be in front of the carriage? What about actually visiting a film set first before starting to work on them?

Why not start out working on some student shorts to get an idea of what's going on?

Things like that.....good luck anyway, Karl

[Sound Sorcerer]

Hey Gerry,
I don't think using a gate during recording is a good idea, but recording at least 30 seconds of "room tone" on each location is highly desirable... Also, just so you know lav mic's use on production sound are a necessary evil and recording both lavalieres & shotguns on split tracks are standard practice. You'll figure it out soon enough.
Good Luck!

[SoundWeavers]

Originally Posted by Karl_Lohninger

There seems to be this wave lately.....: I'm going to be the sound mixer on a feature film and I have the gear (!) and I have no clue (!).

All fine and dandy, but shouldn't the horse be in front of the carriage? What about actually visiting a film set first before starting to work on them?

Why not start out working on some student shorts to get an idea of what's going on?

Things like that.....good luck anyway, Karl

I have a clue Karl. I've conducted tests and been on indie (full feature) film sets (and realized sound is not their priority). Just asking from the PROs. It's not a sin to seek advice from more experienced people.

Thanks a lot for your time. Hopefully next time you pipe in on a thread it will be to share your knowledge and experience and not to just berate amateurs like me.

[SoundWeavers]

Originally Posted by Sound Sorcerer

Hey Gerry,
I don't think using a gate during recording is a good idea, but recording at least 30 seconds of "room tone" on each location is highly desirable... Also, just so you know lav mic's use on production sound are a necessary evil and recording both lavalieres & shotguns on split tracks are standard practice. You'll figure it out soon enough.
Good Luck!

Thanks Sergio. Gotcha on room tone, standard practice for me (I've done my homework and been doing small features, documentaries, AVPs).

My interest with gates is due to the fact that we'll have scenes shot outdoors where the wind could be blowing and roosters could be crowing. :-D

I'll try my best to get the actors to wear the lavs coz I'd really like to avoid the headache and time of a dub.

More power to you Sergio.

Gerry