Filling out a slate, also known as a clapperboard, is a fundamental step in film and video production, crucial for synchronizing audio and video, and for organizing footage during post-production. It provides vital visual and auditory cues that help editors align separate sound and picture recordings.
Understanding the Purpose of a Film Slate
A film slate serves two primary functions:
- Synchronization: The "clap" provides a sharp, instantaneous audio peak and visual closure that editors use to perfectly align sound recorded separately from the camera. This process is critical for achieving seamless audio-visual sync.
- Identification: The written information on the slate labels each take with critical data, making it easier to log, categorize, and find specific shots during editing. This aids the post-production workflow.
Key Information Fields on a Film Slate
While slates can vary slightly, most include standard fields that provide comprehensive details about each shot. Here's a breakdown of common elements you'll encounter:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Production | The title of the film, commercial, or project. | The Green Project |
| Director | Name of the director. | Ava DuVernay |
| DP (Director of Photography) | Name of the cinematographer. | Roger Deakins |
| Scene | The scene number from the script. Often includes sub-letters (e.g., 23A). | 23A |
| Take | The current attempt at shooting a particular scene. Increments with each retry. | Take 3 |
| Roll / Card | The film roll number, or for digital, the memory card/drive number. | Card 01 |
| Date | The date of shooting. | 2023-10-26 |
| Day/Night | Indicates whether the scene is set during the day or night. | Day |
| INT/EXT | Interior or Exterior setting. Can be combined (e.g., INT/EXT). | INT |
| MOS / Sync | MOS (Mit Out Sound) for silent takes; Sync for takes with recorded audio. | Sync |
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out a Slate
Accurately filling out a slate requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for each shot:
- Production Title: Write the full title of the production clearly. This helps organize all footage belonging to the same project.
- Director's Name: Input the first and last name of the director.
- Director of Photography (DP) Name: Enter the first and last name of the cinematographer.
- Date: Write the current date in a consistent format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD).
- Roll / Card Number:
- For film, this is the roll number.
- For digital, this is typically the card number or reel number. Ensure this matches the media currently in the camera. When a new card or roll is inserted, this number must be updated.
- Scene Number: This is one of the most critical pieces of information.
- Write the exact scene number and any letter (e.g., 1A, 2B) as found in the script.
- When announcing the scene, it's vital to call out any letters phonetically to avoid confusion. For instance, if you are shooting scene 1a, you would write "1A" on the slate, but announce it as "one alpha" or "one apple" to ensure clarity for the sound recordist and editor.
- Take Number: Start with Take 1 for the first attempt at a new shot. Increment the take number (Take 2, Take 3, etc.) each time the director calls "cut" and wants to repeat the shot.
- Day/Night and INT/EXT: Circle or mark the appropriate option (Day/Night, Interior/Exterior) to indicate the scene's lighting conditions and location type.
- MOS / Sync: Circle "Sync" if audio is being recorded with the camera, or "MOS" if the shot is being recorded without sound (e.g., for B-roll or silent action).
Best Practices for Slating
To ensure smooth post-production, consider these best practices:
- Legibility: Use a fine-point dry-erase marker and ensure all writing is clear and easy to read, especially from a distance. Learn more about proper slating techniques.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent format for all entries throughout the production.
- Communication: Always confirm scene and take numbers with the script supervisor and director before slating. This collaboration is key to efficient set management.
- Positioning: Hold the slate steady, facing the camera, ensuring it's in focus and well-lit. Fill the frame as much as possible without obscuring the shot.
- Clarity of Call-Out: When announcing the scene and take, speak clearly and confidently. For example, "Scene One Alpha, Take Three." Immediately following this, you'll want to follow that up with the word "marker" before firmly clapping the slate shut. This provides the distinct audio and visual cue for synchronization.
- Tail Slating: If it's impossible to slate at the beginning of a take (e.g., for an impromptu shot), you can slate at the end. In this case, hold the slate upside down, announce "Tail Slate," and then clap.
Digital Slates and Alternatives
While physical clapperboards are traditional, digital slates (apps on tablets or smartphones) offer similar functionality and can integrate with production workflows. For very simple projects, a visual cue (like a hand clap) combined with a verbal announcement can sometimes suffice, though it lacks the precision and detailed information of a proper slate.
By diligently filling out and utilizing a slate, you contribute significantly to an organized and efficient post-production process, saving valuable time and reducing potential errors.
