Using the Video Slate

[LonewolfArts]

MOS= MUTED OUT SOUND

[aAmoscheTheIV]

Thank-you goldenpizza.

[shapeworkstudios1]

on mine (i designed) I put on a "panel" pane. you know, like on a storyboard?? It just helps me organize it better.

i also took out "roll". I don't use film, or even tape, anymore, I use a hard drive and sdhc card

[goldenpizza]

@shapeworkstudios1 Thanks for sharing your idea.

[shapeworkstudios1]

@goldenpizza np. did u know "The Frugal Filmmaker" (his username on ytube, j) he made a pdf that you can download thats a clapperboard. u know those tiny cheap blackboard clapperboards that are like 2 dollers, ? well if you print out his template, laminate it (then you can use dry erase marker) then its the perfect size for those little clapperboards i was talking about, just tape it to it! also you could edit the pdf, then you can custumize it! i even put my logo on it! it turned out very well!

[goldenpizza]

@shapeworkstudios1 Thanks. I have a video called "GoldenPizza Filmmaking Help" where I discuss a DIY slate too and give you a link to download and print one. Of course, the original video ( I remade it), was from 2005, so I've been "frugal" for some time, lol.

[tereesha]

Why isn't there a "shot" panel in a clapperboard? Also, aside from "scene", "take" and "roll" panel, sometimes there is "slate" panel in the clapperboard, what is that exactly?

[goldenpizza]

@tereesha Shot and Take can be synonymous, i.e. they are the same meaning.

regard "SLATE", On shoots with multiple cameras, there may also be multiple SLATES on set to sync audio to different cameras. So the editor needs to know which audio to match with which camera. This is not used much anymore with audio and video synced in video cameras.

[tereesha]

@goldenpizza On information i got about slate, it seems like the slate panel refers to the number of shoot. So its like Scene 1 slate 1 shot 1 take 1, and then if that take is good and no need for the 2nd take, the next is scene 1 slate 2 shot 2 take 1. So the slate panel will keep counting up all the shoot we do despite of the scene/shot/take, and never start back the number unlike shot or take. What i'm not sure about is how is this will be of help in the editing process.

[goldenpizza]

@tereesha In FILM there is no sound track on negative film. So the only reference is visual (hence, use slate for film) and that is why there really is no need for a slate in video because audio and video are married.

[jck7111]

oh thats what its for

[jandearabier]

This information is really helpful, thank you :D

What I couldn't quite make out is what you use the TAKE area for. Is this supposed to give an ID to each shot you take (do you change it every time you change a scene, camera angle, etc, or every time you shout action) or do you use this if you shoot your scene in multiple parts, helping you keep track of what part or line you are?

Also, can you tell me why a lot of slates say NITE instead of NIGHT?

Thank you very much. It really was a helpful vid

[goldenpizza]

@jandearabier TAKE is the number of times (sequentially) that a specific performance is repeated. This is to help the editor find the best take in the footage per the script supervisor/ 1st Asst Director NOTES (sometimes written on the shooting script; e.g. SCENE 3 TAKE 5 or SCENE 12D TAKE 2).

NITE condensed from NIGHT to help it fit on the slate.

[jandearabier]

@goldenpizza Brilliant, thank you, and thanks for the quick reaction :)

[shiloharts]

@jh32488 actually they're not. Professional Digital cine cams, such as the hpx3700, and even red, do an awesome job with logging.

[shiloharts]

Slates are still somewhat useful, but digital filmmaking takes care if all of this now.

[jh32488]

@shiloharts thats not true at all. slates are very useful whether you are shooting on film or video.

[killerkatfilms]

The clapper is used for syncing audio actually...

[DoblajesSV]

OMG! You're Sheldon Cooper! (The big bang theory) xDDDD

[KSHPro]

Thank you very much!

[squeeks1234]

"Camera" is for the DP, not operator!

[aAmoscheTheIV]

@squeeks1234 a year has passed, and you probably got this info, but hey, on smaller sets the CO doubles as the DP...

[TallRobby]

where do you buy these (In canada?)

[phatsam88]

Thanks... Simple and brilliant explanation.

[FuquarProductions]

I am currently working on my "how to camera stabilizer" Before I started, it crossed my mind that I should slate each take, but I thought I would not have that many takes. Well as it turns out, I ended up with 55 clips, all starting with a vice with nothing in it. So looking in my clip bin I can't tell what is what. If I'd only taken the time to slate, I'd be finished with the project.

This is very helpful for those who are new to video production.

[mavishill]

awesome.. i'm 1st AC tommorrow :)

[bentleybloke]

I have seen the clapper used in different ways. Sometimes its shown to the camera upside down or with the sticks open. Are there any reasons or information you are giving the editors or crew by doing this? Cheers Mark

[goldenpizza]

Upside down is called a 'tail slate' and tells the [film] editor that the slate information identifies the PREVIOUS take, not the take following the slate.

[MFrymus]

what is more commonly used/which is better?

the B&W stripes, or the coloured version?

and, where did you buy those slates?

[goldenpizza]

Most slates are color now and have timcode accurate LEDs synced to the camera's TC. See filmtools dotcom

[goldenpizza]

Also Studio depot dotcom

[etzilla]

@goldenpizza is this the place to get the slate with 4 audio options? Good vid btw!

[goldenpizza]

@etzilla not sure. check out the web sites to see if you find one of those.

[Baterine]

Wow I am making my own clapboard and right now I use hi-8's (old I know but good for practice) and I never thought of putting the tape number even though I have to sift through allot of tapes looking for what scene goes where lol. Thanks for the help

[ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the info. I'm producing a theremin lesson dvd, and this will help, because even though it's on video, I still have to do separate audio, and will therefore need to use the slate.

Keep up the great works!

[MichealLitteris]

also i find clappers useful for syncing multiple cameras.. and when no board is available then get your subject to clap.. just as good. quick and dirty :)

[richchesnut]

I think we're overlooking the most important reason for to use a slate: If, because you want a higher quality sound than your camera can record, you decide to record your sound externally, the percussive clapping sound makes it easier for the editor to properly line up the audio with the video. The other things are nice, but that's the real reason to use a slate, and you're right it's not NECESSARY, but it can be the difference between an amateur sounding video and one that could pass for pro.

[shinWangXiao]

Well, he uh... *did* mention that purpose... and I'd like to think that anyone recording separately would realize that they're doing going to need some form of synchronization.

[electroniceinstein]

Very informative!

[B3D5X]

That looks like 'spike' tape. Isn't gaffer tape usually 2 inches wide? Not that it's not the same KIND of tape ;P

[goldenpizza]

It was 2" gaff tape that has been torn in half to fit the board panels.

[DeathBivouac]

Thank you so much. For a fledgling filmmaker/editor like myself this was EXTREMELY informative. I'm anxious to start slating in an upcoming project now. This would have made our last film infinitely easier on me to edit.

[PZK12]

I have been in the film and TV business for over twenty five years. That is excellent and clear info for newbies and first time film makers.

[chompz]

thanks for the info!

HIGHLY APPRECIATE IT! :)

[yosoyian]

wow!! O_O i like this vid goes to my fav's 5*

[goldenpizza]

Thanks.

[OrangeFlower82]

thanks for the info, it's always nice to see someone taking the time to explain certain details!!

[goldenpizza]

From 0 to 1 is an amount of time. Just like on a grid or number line the first number is zero, THEN 1. Zero was developed by the ancient Arabs and is an abstract concept in mathematics. Think of an odometer. It has to start at zero, b/c you have not moved any distance. Same with a speedometer. You dont start at 1 MPH do you?

[goldenpizza]

Letters usually represent the sequential breakdown of one scene. Each object or subject gets a separate letter and combo shots (2S and 3S get the range of letters they cover. (like "Scene 2 A through G...")

[kozmagergely]

Hi there, what about timecode clappers? For me, that seems even more redundant when you are shooting digital.

Thx in advance!

Greg

[goldenpizza]

On a sizable shoot, film or digital, timecode is essential. Timecode clappers are synced with the camera(s) and sound recorders so the editors will not have to "troubleshoot" time code issues.

[ccc66]

what do you put in the prod. area? Do you put the film title or the company name or something like that.

[goldenpizza]

Depending on who is doing the editing. Most of the time the production is the title of the project. If the editing is going off site it can be the company's name to help keep the project together over multiple editors.

[ccc66]

thanks

[crazycoolone]

Good info for students, Goldenpizza. They NEED to learn how to put a film together!

[goldenpizza]

Visual media creation, its the composition course for this century.

[TurtleBoy66]

thats really interesting where can i buy a video slate?

[goldenpizza]

Please see comments below.

[thecybercat]

Dry erase makers on ivory slates are a no no... I should know, lol. We used them on a student production I worked on and they won't erase off again. :(

[w10btcm]

great stuff!! very helpful thanks a lot!!

[goldenpizza]

Alternatively, you can net search for the terms "clapper" " video and "slate" to find a store in your area/country. The ones that I show cost about 50 US dollars and I can make one for about 3 dollars. One difference is that the pro model's lettering is "Etched" into the white plastic and won't come off.

[goldenpizza]

You can make one. See the earlier video called "GoldenPizza filmmaking help". I use masonite with a gloss side of white (go to lumber store) and clear plastic overhead transparency sheet. You can download and print the slate from my website youngfilmmakersclubDOTcom (see Make a Slate) and then copy it onto the transparency sheet. Some even add two sticks and hinge to make it a clapper slate. Let me know if I can do anything to help.

[goldenpizza]

Do I really have a comment from Jacko? I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. :-)

[jackospacko]

Good info

where can i get one?

[DegitoC]

Nice!