On April 11, 2009 I posted a good article by Mikel J. Wisler called “Audio for Short Films: Post-Production Sound.” John Hughes left a comment about the post and I felt it was so full of good information that I reposted it here.
“In an ideal world yes a very true statement, but as a sound recordist I find very little interest from directors with regard to the sound. As long as they can hear it, its ok. Fact is though, they don’t ‘hear’ it.
Mostly now I get asked to record direct into camera and yes, while we all know this is to try and get something broadcast on the camera and so saving in the post mix, my angle is that the camera audio tracks are useful only for a guide and are in no way to be broadcast.
While I record multi tracks, lots of atmos and various action wildtracks etc etc putting myself and my crew out to nail that particular sound in that place at that time only to see or rather hear it ignored in post. I believe that editors are getting lazy. They want everything to slot straight into Avid or Final cut match the timecodes and hey presto a final cut!
I have met various edit degree graduates who sure can use the edit suite quickly and efficiently but I have to say I have met none of late that can actually offer a design or ‘flavour’ to the film and so they do not demand any design from recordists, just the usual moans of levels, not being absolute and begging me to use radio mics.
I ignore these moans now as they just indicate to me the editor knows nothing about sound. However, should an editor send a message to me regarding Timbre/Design/Flavour etc then I return his call.
I shot a 100 minute drama in 15 days. Yes a fast churn out by an obviously very ‘talented’ editor but it showed and the film was as flat as a pancake when cut. This is because PC and Mac based software make it possible for editors to edit at home at will but the downside is obvious.
Keep editing in editing suites and get directors to understand the importance of sound then we will all be on some kind of level playing field.. I wont hold my breath!”
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John Hughes
