Films For Nothing

Sound

It is very easy when shooting to get carried away with the vision. Good, clean sound recording will ensure that you are able to create a sound landscape that is as distinctive as your visuals
Improvements in surround-sound in recent years mean that clear, natural sound is expected. Traditionally, low-budget features have put considerable effort/money into the vision and neglected the importance of sound. Don't fall into this trap
It takes many years to qualify as a sound recordist. There is good reason for this. It demands many skills, is highly technical and inexperience will show and hinder the shoot, eg shadows of the boom being in shot
Wild tracks are extremely useful. Generally, editor's love them but director's hate them as it is very difficult to get everyone to be quiet on set when the camera is not rolling
When coming to a new location consider: a) find quietest location, b) are extraneous noises capable of being removed? c) how close can you get the microphone to the actors? The following also needs to be considered: Is the shoot interior or exterior? Is there a low roof? What is the external noise? Is there any wind? How many actors do you have? Is there any noise from the props, eg polythene bags, suits of armour, etc
It is generally possible to recreate most sounds post-shoot. The disadvantage is this takes time and resources, cost money and the end results may not be as convincing as the original sound recorded live at the time of the shoot

Good sound recording on set is crucial
Improvements in cinema sound systems and home sound systems mean that any deficiencies will be exposed
You need an experienced sound recordist
It takes many years to qualify as a sound recordist. There is good reason for this. It demands many skills, is highly technical and inexperience will show and hinder the shoot, eg shadows of the boom being in shot
Wild tracks are very useful.
Have a thorough check-list when considering a new location
Re-recording sound in post-production is very expensive