In the fast-paced world of film and video production, effective communication is paramount. Yet, even within the same company, the “cues” and “tones” for different crews can vary significantly. This isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a necessity driven by diverse work schedules, varied locations, unique production goals, and specific equipment needs. Understanding these nuances is key to a smooth and efficient production pipeline, ensuring that every department, from camera to sound to editorial, is perfectly in sync—even when their individual rhythms differ
Here’s why different cues and tones are essential for different crews:
Diverse Work Schedules: Not all crews or freelancers are needed every day of a shoot or throughout the entire production process. While on-set sound is often a default presence, camera and lighting departments might operate as one-person teams on certain days, leading to varied cues and room tones. This means some crew members might work prep days, while others are primarily involved during principal photography
Varied Locations: Different crews might be needed at different times or for different tasks in various locations. You might have a main unit on set, a second unit on a remote location, and another unit capturing b-roll
Production Department’s Control over Syncs and Room Tones: The production department generally has the most control over capturing various visual and audio sync points, as well as a wider array of room tones from different setups and crews. This broad oversight allows them to manage diverse communication needs
Distinct Production Goals: Each department—sound, camera, lighting, art, IT, engineering, editorial—has specific goals that contribute to the overall production. However, their individual objectives differ significantly, necessitating communication adapted to their needs
Specialized Equipment and Synchronization: The audio equipment needed varies greatly depending on the crew’s task. A sound mixer on set requires different gear and, consequently, different cues than a boom operator or a post-production sound editor. These differing equipment needs often go hand-in-hand with varying tracking metrics and synchronization requirements, leading to unique protocols for each team
By acknowledging and adapting to these differences, production companies can foster a more efficient and harmonious working environment, ultimately leading to a more successful final product
my move is not your move
different cues for different crews – generated by imagen 4, conceived by 1518&projects
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