How To

How to Use Sound Equipment in Indie Filmmaking

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(2 Ratings)

If you want to produce an independent film, you're going to want to keep costs as low as possible. There are a few tricks that will help you keep your costs low while still achieving a high level of quality. When you use sound equipment in independent films, just make sure the cost saving measures don't interfere with sound worth hearing.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Determine what kind of shooting you'll be doing before deciding on the type of microphone you'll use. Many portable recording devices are now affordable and can save the personnel requirements of a sound recording device like a boom mike.
Step 2

Rent your sound equipment if you think the shooting for your film can be accomplished in just a few days. Renting equipment is far more feasible in terms of expense for most independent filmmakers.
Step 3

Improvise in order to save on ancillary costs. For example, a broom stick might not be as cool looking, but it effectively does the same job a boom extension does.
Step 4

Invest in a quality set of headphones so you can get a true sense of the sound during playback. This is one area where the extra expense will greatly improve the quality of your finished film sound.

Tips & Warnings

Remember to take elements such as ambient sounds and crosswind effects into account when recording a scene. These background noises may seem inconsequential on set, but they can be greatly amplified by a microphone.
Avoid expensive recording packages that promise Hollywood production results. Middle of the line microphone and other sound items produce similar results for a fraction of the price.

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