ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors address how to “look for great sound”—to find those hidden opportunities. They describe some of the inevitable challenges of location sound when filming real world subjects in non-studio locations. Recording music is its own specialty. Different instruments present wavelengths at different parts of the sound spectrum. When working with non-professionals, filmmakers will have to be strategic in their sound and shot coverage. One of the most overlooked components of sound production in the nonfiction world is file naming. Besides the lavalier, another common omnidirectional microphone is the one that may be built into filmmakers' camera. This is a mic not to be relied on for primary sound for the very reason of its location, which is generally too far from filmmakers' subject for quality sound. When filmmakers are preparing equipment for their shoot, they will have a wide range of microphones and mixers to choose from.