| The editing
of the sound tracks and the preparation for mixing
requires not only creativity, but also understandable
directions for the mixing engineer.
Sound
track rolls are designated according to the type
of sound each contains, i.e., narration, sync
sound, sound effects, music, or presence.
Although it is desirable to
have as few tracks as possible, it is not a good
idea to combine two types of sound on a single
track. Often there will be differences in quality
between narration and the sync sound although
it is the same person’s voice. This can
be due to the difference in locations where the
recordings were made or simply a difference in
voice quality of the narrator over a space of
time. The sound engineer can often compensate
for these differences electronically, but it is
difficult if they are not on separate tracks.
Presence track may need further
explanation. It is a very good practice when the
original sound is being recorded, in the studio
or on various locations, to record a few minutes
of room tone. This track is then used to make
transitions from location to location without
abrupt background sound changes. It is also used
to fill in blank spots in the edited tracks.
Even if you are going to be
present during the mixing session, which is desirable,
a detailed cue sheet should be made for the engineer
to follow. This cue sheet tells the engineer where
the various tracks begin and end and the approximate
relative levels. Figure
13 - Mixing Cue Sheet is a sample of
a mixing cue sheet. The cue footage is in 16mm.
Check with the mix studio if the cue footage should
be indicated in 16 or 35. topˆ
Leader
Markings and Identification
It is preferable that all workprints for sound
mixing be submitted with a Universal leader as
described under "Work Print Leaders."
This aids the laboratory in preparing the film
for printing, and in assuring that the track will
be in sync. If your work print does not have a
Universal leader, you can simulate it. Place a
piece of leader in your synchronizer. Set the
counter to zero and mark that frame on the leader
"Picture Start". Advance the leader
to 3 feet and 24 frames, and mark this frame "2".
The first frame of your picture is at 4 feet and
32 frames.
On each of your magnetic sound
tracks, place a large "X" opposite the
"Picture Start" frame in the Universal
leader. Mark this frame "Pix Start".
Place a beep tone of each roll of magnetic sound
track opposite the "2" on your Universal
leader. Continue your magnetic sound tracks in
editorial sync with the picture work print.
You must insure that your final
mixed magnetic track has on and only one beep
in the head leader, and that the beep is in editorial
sync with the "2" in your Universal
leader. This beep will be used to line up the
photographic sound negative with the original
picture negatives.
The diagram for setting up mixing
rolls is shown in Figure
14 - 16mm Motion Picture Sound Mixing Log Instructions
for Setting Up Mixing Rolls. Before
you prepare for a mix, check with your mixing
studio in order to understand their requirements.
topˆ |
