ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors describe some of the components of location sound that contribute to a compelling story. They review scouting strategies and digital tools that can help filmmakers significantly improve both the quality and the quantity of the sound assets they gather while in the field. Of course, Google Street View is only updated periodically, and Open Street Map is an ongoing wiki produced by volunteers, so beware when relying entirely on these tools for planning picture or sound. When building filmmakers' production schedule, take advantage of any lengthy pre-lighting time to give their sound engineer time to gather wild sound. Besides factual content, a pre-interview gives filmmakers lots of other essential information, including sound elements of their story. Filmmaker’s on-camera subjects are non-actors, doing “real life” things. Filmmakers' may, for example, want them to chat with family members while preparing a meal so that they can acquire some sync b-roll dialogue and interactions.