Instruction manual

Take 3 - Begin 250 End 374
This should eliminate any confusion about which Take to use when making a copy for the
sync/shoot, or transferring the Master audio to the Master videotape before editing. If a
second audio record machine is used for a same-day shoot/sync, also write down the
counter numbers from that machine. If the Master deck and second deck aren't the exact
same type, make, and model, the counter numbers will be different. Once the best version
of the song has been chosen, this will make it easy to find the starting point on the second
audio machine.
COUNTDOWN - Whether in a studio, or playing and recording live, a band will use a
countdown before each song, so that the musicians can start at the same time on the first
beat. This could be the drummer hitting the drumsticks together 4 times, or a vocalist
counting aloud, “One, two, three, four". In a multi-track studio, an electronic click audio
track is sometimes used, and is perfectly timed to the beat of the music. Countdowns are
usually eliminated from the final mix of a Master audio tape.
However, if the first beat of your music video will show musicians playing or
vocalists singing, it would be best if a countdown can be heard on the copy of the song
that’s used for syncing. This will allow the performers to be in visual sync on the first
beat. If needed, ask the band to record a countdown on the copy that’s used for syncing.
The countdown can be eliminated during video editing, by making an audio-only edit.
REFERENCE AUDIO PLAYBACK - During an Instrument/Lip Sync shoot, the
camcorder will record REFERENCE AUDIO (the song) during each Sync attempt. It’s
very important to use a high-quality audio tape machine for audio playback. The goal is
for the audio on the Source tapes and the audio on the Master videotape to play as close
to the same speed as possible. During editing, the reference audio on the Source
videotapes will be used to synchronize the Source video footage with the AUDIO on the
Master videotape.
The audio tape that is used for syncing purposes will be subjected to a lot of
stops, starts, and pauses. NEVER use a Master audio tape for playback during the shoot.
A COPY of the Master should always be used. It wouldn’t hurt to have a spare copy on
hand, in case of problems with copy #1. For options, search the text in Chapter1 for
AUDIO PLAYBACK DURING THE SHOOT.
AUDIO PLAYBACK OPERATOR - If the band will provide the audio playback
machine during the shoot, see if they can also provide someone to serve as Audio
Playback Operator. Other candidates include a friend or Production Assistant.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS - A “PA” lends a helping hand during the shoot. If
needed, ask your friends if they could assist with simple tasks like helping to build props,
loading and unloading the band’s equipment, taping down cables with duct tape, running
extension power cords, etc. Aspiring video professionals often get their “foot in the door”
by working as a PA.
EXTRA EXTRA - In addition to band members, music videos often feature actors and