Filming an outdoor event (sound issues) at DVinfo.net

Matt Newcomb · September 16th, 2008, 11:46 PM

I will be shooting my first outdoor event this weekend, and my main concern is what to do about sound since this will be a solo shoot and I will need to do some interviews.

I will be using an XL2, and I imagine I will have to depend on the camera mic. I have a Sennheiser ME 40, but I don't really show how I can use that practically in this shoot.

I may have someone to ask the questions for me, and was thinking maybe I could pick up a Shure SM57 if the wind was causing a problem. Is that a good option giving I won't be able to have a boom operator or a zeppelin.

This is an event from 10am - 2pm, and it's southern California so it should be plenty sunny, and if not there isn't much I would be able to do.

The intended delivery is most likely web too. Just wanted to hear would people would suggest.

Paul R Johnson · September 17th, 2008, 02:17 AM

A 57 isn't fitted with any kind of windshield, so gets a bit blasty - a 58 would be better outside. Or a 57 with a proper windshield - a nice chunk of foam works ok.

What worries me more is your "I may have someone to ask the questions for me?????" - if questions need asking you really need somebody who knows how to pose open questions, not closed ones, knows how to use a mic properly, and who has an authorititive voice.

Aaron Mayberry · September 17th, 2008, 07:24 AM

Could you use a wireless lav? There will be some setup time, depending on if you try to hide the microphone, but it would be another option.

Plus you won't have to carry a boom around.

Matt Newcomb · September 17th, 2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul R Johnson

A 57 isn't fitted with any kind of windshield, so gets a bit blasty - a 58 would be better outside. Or a 57 with a proper windshield - a nice chunk of foam works ok.

What worries me more is your "I may have someone to ask the questions for me?????" - if questions need asking you really need somebody who knows how to pose open questions, not closed ones, knows how to use a mic properly, and who has an authorititive voice.

Sorry I did mean a 58, not a 57. Small lapse in memory there. With at least a basic wind screen.

The person helping me works for their PR department and interviews people as part of her job, so I'm sure she'll do a much better job at interviewing people than I would anyway.

I don't have access to a wireless lav, and since kids are involved, it's probably better that we don't have the extra setup time with them.

Edward Phillips · September 17th, 2008, 10:06 AM

Setting up the interviews in a proper spot will help. Try to find a quite spot or perhaps next to a building that can block any wind.

If you have someone asking questions then maybe you can go news reporter style and have them hold a handheld mic or a MP3 voice recorder and sync later which I hear can be difficult even with proper slate syncs.

I would record the camera mic on one channel and your external mic on the other that way you can play with whatever one turns out better and have some sense of backup audio.

September 16th, 2008, 11:46 PM	#1
Matt Newcomb Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 212	Filming an outdoor event (sound issues) I will be shooting my first outdoor event this weekend, and my main concern is what to do about sound since this will be a solo shoot and I will need to do some interviews. I will be using an XL2, and I imagine I will have to depend on the camera mic. I have a Sennheiser ME 40, but I don't really show how I can use that practically in this shoot. I may have someone to ask the questions for me, and was thinking maybe I could pick up a Shure SM57 if the wind was causing a problem. Is that a good option giving I won't be able to have a boom operator or a zeppelin. This is an event from 10am - 2pm, and it's southern California so it should be plenty sunny, and if not there isn't much I would be able to do. The intended delivery is most likely web too. Just wanted to hear would people would suggest. __________________ Talenos Productions at http://www.talenos.com

September 17th, 2008, 07:24 AM	#3
Aaron Mayberry Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Flint, MI Posts: 212	Could you use a wireless lav? There will be some setup time, depending on if you try to hide the microphone, but it would be another option. Plus you won't have to carry a boom around. __________________ www.styleandmotion.com - Modern Wedding Films based in Michigan www.miweddingblog.com - Michigan's dedicated wedding blog

September 17th, 2008, 02:17 AM	#2
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,016	A 57 isn't fitted with any kind of windshield, so gets a bit blasty - a 58 would be better outside. Or a 57 with a proper windshield - a nice chunk of foam works ok. What worries me more is your "I may have someone to ask the questions for me?????" - if questions need asking you really need somebody who knows how to pose open questions, not closed ones, knows how to use a mic properly, and who has an authorititive voice.

September 17th, 2008, 10:06 AM	#5
Edward Phillips Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 118	Setting up the interviews in a proper spot will help. Try to find a quite spot or perhaps next to a building that can block any wind. If you have someone asking questions then maybe you can go news reporter style and have them hold a handheld mic or a MP3 voice recorder and sync later which I hear can be difficult even with proper slate syncs. I would record the camera mic on one channel and your external mic on the other that way you can play with whatever one turns out better and have some sense of backup audio.