Newbie crying for help

[Thabo Mbega]

To all with the knowledge, i would appreciate your help

I am a sound/recording engineer in the studio/live sound section and i have managed to bag myself a job to do sound for a short film. I have never done any sound recording for films and i am interested. I love sound ( infinite sounds to listen to everyday). I would appreciate any advice or links on how to go about this project and as soon as i know how big the budget is, i would then be looking to hire a sound crew to help me out.
I dont know a lot about field recorders and im really worried about syncing the sound to picture. I have seen people write about slating on the forum, what is that? What type of equipment should i be looking out for e.g recorders/mics?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you in advance
Bless
Thabo

[John Willett]

This will really depend on budget.

Location recorder - with timecode so you can sync. to picture.
Nagra VI (6-track)
Sound Devices 744T (4-track) or 702T (stereo)
Fostex FR-2 with optional timecode board
Tascam HD-P2
(best first and cheapest last).

Headphones - Sennheiser HD 25-1 seem to be the standard in the UK.

Main gun mic. - Sennheiser MKH 416 is the industry standard - MKH 60 is abetter (in my opinion) but more expensive. You will need a full Rycote basket windshield kit or Rycote S-series if on a budget.

A timecode clapper board (slate) is useful as it syncs sound to picture - you can see and hear the clapper come down and read the timecode as well.

radiomics - Sennheiser 3000 series or Audio 2020 - or G2 if on a budget. The new MKE 1 mic is minuscule and easily hidden (mic. diameter is just 3.3mm).

If you need a mixer - Sound Devices or SQN seem to be the standard.

This is all pro kit, by the way.


Personally I use the Nagra VI with various MKH microphones in Rycotes.

[Richard Gooderick]

Thabo
I think that I'd find my sound crew real quick, see what equipment they have got/use, discuss what you are likely to be doing and then ask any questions that arise on the forum.
You might even find your sound crew through the forum if that's what you need too.

[Thabo Mbega]

Thank you gentlemen for the replies, im soon to have a meeting with the director so as to know where i stand and what is required then i will be in touch. Thank you again
Thabo

[Thabo Mbega]

Am i able to hire this pro equipment from anywhere in the UK

[Nick Flowers]

Depends on where you are based. If in London I would recommend Richmond Film Services (0208 940 6077) who have lots and lots of gear and are most knowledgeable and helpful.

[Nick Flowers]

And Richmond Film Services' web address is

http://www.richmondfilmservices.co.uk/

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Nick Flowers

And Richmond Film Services' web address is

http://www.richmondfilmservices.co.uk/

Richmond Film are the definitely the best for hire of this type of equipment.

They certainly have the Nagra VI, Sennheiser microphones and Rycotes - their hire stock ie enormous - if you don't see nit on their website, ring and ask.

[Thabo Mbega]

Thank you gentlemen, your information is of great help, i appreciate your help
Thabo

[Vvicente Villaescusa]

If you are near in the southwest I'd like to recommend you Pinknoise Systems...
Pinknoise Systems Sound Equipment

[Thabo Mbega]

If anyone in the UK can give me a guide to how much sound teams get paid i.e. boom ops, production mixer e.t.c

Appreciate your time
Thabo

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Thabo Mbega

If anyone in the UK can give me a guide to how much sound teams get paid

The answer is "not enough".

I think you should talk to BECTU (worth the membership fee for the public liability insurance alone) and the Institute of Broadcast Sound.

Membership of both is well worth it (I am a member of both).

[Thabo Mbega]

Thanks John

Aren't there any rough figures i could have ion my head to get an idea of the "not enough"
Cheers

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Thabo Mbega

Thanks John

Aren't there any rough figures i could have ion my head to get an idea of the "not enough"
Cheers

Not that I'm prepared to write on a public forum.

You are worth as much as people are prepared to pay you.

There has been lot's of discussion on the IBS closed forum, which is partly why I pointed you in their direction.

[Robin Lambert]

You should get in touch with AMPS, the Association of Motion Picture Sound, whose members are the real experts at sound recording for films and drama.

Their website will be able to help you out with crew, costs and advice.

The Association of Motion Picture Sound