Recording a 30 Second Dialogue

The Rundown:

Recording dialogue in film is a bit different than recording foley. Often, you have to have the microphone just out of sight of the shot, making your options for microphones different from an interview, vlog, or otherwise.

In this assignment, you will practice using a microphone and techniques to record high quality dialogue for film.

Terms to learn:

Part 1 - Recording and Filming w/ Audio

The Instruction: 

For tips on recording using a boom pole, watch the following video:

Next, watch the following two videos to help you understand how to work with Zoom audio recorders (note: they are just one video but with some parts taken out for you that aren't needed):

The Requirements:

Using the script provided in class, record 30-seconds of dialogue from the first scene of the script: Script Examples Links to an external site.

• Work in groups of four or more. Two actors, one director/camera man, and one audio recorder. If you need a group of three, the director position can just be done by the audio recorder. However many students you work with, you will have to record that number of times, as everyone must do each position at least once. The take that you edit and turn in at the end of this assignment is the one you took as the director, so its your job to make sure the camera and audio techs are both doing their jobs correctly (verbally confirm with them before filming that things are how they should be/ready to be filmed).
• Your dialogue should be recorded with both a camera and a mic. The mic should be placed correctly.
• Your dialogue should be recorded in high quality.

Part 2 - Editing

The Instruction:

Before moving on, share SD cards and/or files with your whole group so everyone has access to the right clips. Then, watch the following video (or) use the instruction you were given in class to complete the following editing sound requirements:

Editing Requirements:

• • Audio must be perfectly synced (hint: use the "synchronize" action to sync things quickly).
  • Using the "Audio" panel in Premiere Pro, you will need to use the following effects on each piece of dialogue audio:
    • Loudness "Auto-Match"
    • Repair "Reduce Noise"
    • Clarity "Dynamics"
    • Clarity "EQ"
  • Add any other effects, gain, fades, or volume settings necessary to give the dialogue a quality sound.

Whatever effects you use or don't use, you are primarily responsible to make the audio sound good. This can be a little subjective, but just ask the teacher before turning something in if you are unsure of how it sounds or what to do next.
Note: using too much of any effect is the fastest way to actually hurt your audio, especially when it comes to the "Reduce Noise" option.

Once finished, submit the exported video and a screenshot of your audio settings to this assignment as a OneDrive link.