Camberwell Guides: Sound Studio Filming

Camberwell Studios' Sam Parkinson discusses shooting in silence.
You've chosen to shoot in a soundproofed studio. Many of our clients weigh up the pros and cons of shooting on location or in a studio and regularly choose a controlled, soundproofed environment for their purpose. The pros far outweigh the cons of a location shoot.
Soundproofing gives greater flexibility and saves time and subsequently money. You may find location shoots will throw up all sorts of nasty noisy surprises; sirens, background noise, traffic, doors banging, printer noises, people chatting. If you think your office or chosen location is in a quiet area, it won't be. Especially not in London. Planes, trains, cars, people; unexpected, unplanned situations will always arise and you can never foresee them.
There may be a few choices for you to make; size, price, location and adjoining facilities to consider. Having a good idea of your shot types before booking, will give the studio manager or technician some useful knowledge in preparation and they may even be able to offer some consultation to make your shoot simpler.
What actions will take place? Will the subject be walking and talking, walking into shot? Sat down? A 4m square stage area will allow a simple walk into shot and out of shot for a mid to full body shot. The greenscreen cyc behind the subject should be at about 2.5 - 3 metres to allow for some head room if the subject is standing. Check how many people will be in shot.
Roughly, a 4m squared stage area will cater for three to four people standing in the space. If the shot is a 'head and shoulders' framing then you could get five people in this type of space.
If the budget will allow it, then hire a sound recordist with good credentials (ask for a show reel or references). If your shoot is simple, then using a decent boom mic or radio mic linked into your camera will do just fine. Just remember to wear headphones to monitor the audio. Some radio mics give off a low buzzing noise. Try and record into both of the cameras channels. One or two radio mics or a radio mic and boom, or two booms.
Check if the facility has a lot of outside disturbance. Some studios will have two spaces and it is best to enquire about the other shoot booked in that day and to see if the studio will still offer a totally soundproofed environment.
See if the green screen studio is draped or has surplus drape, which can be a great way to further deaden the sound. Check the chairs that the subject, crew, cast and clients will be sitting on during takes are solid and silent. No squeaky chairs, wicker chairs or anything else they choose to sit on. This applies to clothing and footwear too! Brand new leathers, sequins, ruffles, zips, jewellery (earrings, bracelets etc) are to be avoided.
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(IT/JP)