Filmmaking Tips for Better Audio

How can we filmmakers improve our sound? Let's start at the beginning with pre-production & on set techniques.
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[@ceedotcee]

I love these videos. Who needs Film school when you have Simon Cade?

[@QDRquality]

+ceedotceeTV Filmschool is 50% networking and establishing contacts. Once you graduate that'll become the most valuable of all if you plan on pursuing a career in film.

[@QuantayPeoples]

+QDR Quality you're correct about that one

[@stevocanuck]

+ceedotceeTV *correction.... "who needs school when you have the internet"

[@emanuel3016]

seriously !!!

[@anewagora]

+QDR Quality In the age of internet and KZbin, that's unnecessary and often involves becoming a sellout. College is absurdly expensive and schooling is so restrictive that, for people like myself, it only got in the way and threatened to destroy my creation process. I don't give any fucks about the carrot on the stick of networking. It's not worth giving up all my creations for what they are, as that's the whole reason I even make anything. And networking is usually code for extrinsic motivation anyway. People being fake as fuck and not actually caring about each other in community or in projects. It's getting really old hearing the stories that you should go in a traditional system for the fact that everyone else is there and doing it. Seems like a circle jerk and too many people aren't buying it. And they don't need to.

[@Mu3azOsman]

we don't thank you enough, but know that your videos and the effort you put into them is highly appreciated :)

[@syasyanurnasriyah6530]

I'll be honest, I've kinda lost my mojo since school started. Everything is about deadlines now that I feel like I'm compromising my artistic integrity over something as petty as a letter. For weeks I've felt like I lost my love for filmography but sir, watching your videos has been a big help. Your passion for this art is truly remarkable and ever so beautiful. Not too mention that the advice you give are pretty darn good. I hope that one day I, too, have that same sparkle in your eye every time I talk about filming and videos. Cheers!

[@JacobCrowMains]

When people are first starting out it's so easy to neglect audio, I've only recently discovered the capabilities of sound and the production value it brings to a film. Even the most subtle sound effects can dramatically enhance the audiences experience. great work as always bro

[@DSLRguide]

+Jacob Crow-Mains exactly. cheers man!

[@KieranJB]

This has been so useful, sound is definitely undervalued in pretty much every stage of amateur filmmaking!

[@PauloNideck]

Your videos are REALLY good.

[@DSLRguide]

+Paulo Nideck thanks Paulo:)

[@BMXER-fb6ku]

+Paulo Nideck AGREED!!

[@Gerardoe52]

I have been off from making amateur films for a year or so. I started originally when I was around 10. Your videos have inspired me to get back on track and keep making what I believe in. Pretty impressive, and as I can relate to you, I can only hope that "real life" does not shatter your filmmaking habits when you grow a bit older just like it did with mine. Will keep watching.

[@nightlythoughts4701]

I've decided literally today that I want to start making films... I've learned so many things from just watching a few of your videos. I was going to save up for a nice camera, but this channel has taught me to focus on the sound and lighting more than the camera itself, so thank you for that! Thank you for this channel :)

[@ninomorelliguitar2247]

omg I LOVE the way you just instantly start the video I was expecting a 10 min intro before acc getting into it, THANK YOU

[@rspbck]

The quality is on point. I can't believe your using a 600d

[@QDRquality]

+Christian K *You're* Sorry it had to be done, we need to educate the public.

[@winterproductions3846]

+Christian K It's not the kit lens :P

[@brinckau]

+Christian K True, except for the distortions in the background (the acoustic foam) that may come from the compression of the video made by the camera (or by the compression added by KZbin, or by a combinaison of both).

[@ptitkonrad]

+Christian K As he told us in a previous video, it's not about the camera or the lens, it's about lighting. But it takes much more work to get a nice result. Am I wrong +DSLRguide ?

[@rspbck]

+PoisonFilmmaking I know

[@Patrickmyersaz]

I was just downstairs thinking about how I need to focus more on my audio production, and then I saw this. Thanks a lot man, keep it up!

[@WEIRDGLASSESSHOWisawessome]

I've been making movies for years and just started paying more attention to the audio to be more professional , been thinking of getting an audio recorder. Thanks for the tips.

[@filmnewsreport3231]

I have doing this for awhile and audio still gets me. It's like we're sworn enemies

[@cjscheer1211]

Thanks Simon!! You and Film Riot have taught me so much!

[@LandofJapan]

I dont even like film making i just subcibed becasue of his passion.

[@jazzylev]

Khadeem Wilson yes Simon cade is so passionate about filmmaking... and his videos are so inspiring. keep up the good work, DSLRguide

[@BadHumorTV]

Can you do a tutorial on how you color grade/correct your video's? I really dig the color tones you always have! Do you use any other camera profiles other then flat settings? Thank You!

[@DSLRguide]

+BadHumorTV I'm planning to do this video in the next month or so :)

[@BadHumorTV]

+DSLRguide Thanks man!

[@AccuracyFilms]

Great info! I love the fact that you go back and examine big budget movies; this is something that everyone should do.

[@mateuszkubala1800]

One of the most informative and useful guides I've found.

[@DSLRguide]

+Mateusz Kubala thanks Mateusz!

[@born2run10]

+DSLRguide What's one of your favorite films?? you didn't say haha

[@annisasabrina8259]

agree

[@annisasabrina8259]

agree

[@dominiquethenosyreader2686]

Mateusz Kubala true he is extremely helpful

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

I found the final tip the most useful. Watching movies with & without sound and writing notes on what sound we expected to hear vs. what we actually heard.

[@AhmedDiae]

You have been talking about filmmaking for long time .. i wanna see one of your short films that you made !.

[@DSLRguide]

+EverySing | افري سنك‎ I'm working on it! Early 2016 it will be finished, and on this channel: kzbin.info

[@BambaZillah]

It absolutely baffles me how young you are and how rich your content is. You're not speaking generally about things you somewhere. Rather it sounds like you speak with experience. Very impressed. Really helpful content. Not to mention the small subtle tactful things you add to your videos.

[@AniyaWolfe]

May you do a video on your Top 5 Favorite Films and why?

[@dominiquethenosyreader2686]

Aniya Wolfe that would really cool

[@NicolaFietta]

when i finish to watch every one of your video, i must click the like button, I don't choose, it comes naturally!!!

[@paulprince3014]

ur gonno be one of the best directors!!!/mark my words!!

[@anselmoreal]

Good stuff man!!! Audio is king!!!

[@dominiquethenosyreader2686]

Ansel Rodriguez it really is

[@InnocentStuart]

bro, watching your videos has made me fall in love with film making, who needs school if we can learn straight from you. Thanks bro.

[@toralmente89]

Hello. Thank you for sharing it. I´m interested in learning more .. I would like to ask you if you could make tutorials about how to use the apps or programs to edit... That would be amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im subscribed to your channel its really good thank you by the way you have audience in Mexico and California as well ... BRAVO

[@j.thorgard]

4:17 Tips 5, such a great idea for learning.

[@whirlybirdrc]

You have inspired me to get a camera and lighting to begin with. Your content is so creative! It's really helpfull. I know how to shoot pictures. Sadly i dont know sh*t about filming.

[@universalindierec]

Really great tip. As a beginner I was wondering if I needed to even bother with a slate... but you just showed me the error of my ways. One of the reasons I really love this channel and none of your videos are ever really dated.

[@wolfstar675]

4:47 Glad that you showed Wall-E. There is a two or three part video of all the foley and sound design work for Wall-E on KZbin and is impressive. A masterclass in sound.

[@DSLRguide]

+Enrique Godínez yeah, Ben Burtt is a bit of a hero

[@wolfstar675]

DSLRguide I know!

[@andrewcaruana13]

Inreally like these vids you make they are really helpful, in fact during my free time i.ve started to try out some of the tips in order to improve my filmography skills

[@stevensong8784]

4:29 - 4:46 For me, the first part would be strenuous as I would have to rely on my instinct! But like you said, it would be revelational.

[@FergbyFive]

Simon, your filmmaking tips just go from strength to strength. I really enjoyed this one. You summed up exactly what I think about sound and I haven't been slating but you certainly presented a good argument for doing so.

[@DSLRguide]

+Anna Ferguson glad you liked the video :)

[@OCUBOX]

My fav are the RED Pink Ladies, if you don't eat said apples, try them ;)

[@DSLRguide]

+OCUBOX always. I used to be into granny smith apples, but they're nothing compared to the sweet & crunchy 'pink lady' apples ha.

[@yoelimargolis2951]

+DSLRguide i'm still a Granny Smith person.

[@BruceAUlrich]

+DSLRguide Fuji apples, all the way. ;)

[@jakobhovman]

+OCUBOX One thing is for sure...We all eat Newton Apples...That's were sound comes from...!

[@Shiznaft1]

+Bruce A. Ulrich Agreed!

[@HOMEBYENOON]

Well done Simon, excellent work as ever. Keep up the good work buddy.

[@glennsak]

Love the new look. Great job!

[@houstonpaquette]

Hey Simon! I been watching your channel for about 6 months now, Just wanted to drop you a line and say how much I appreciate your videos. I'd be lying if I said you're the only inspiration, but your channel is one of the main reasons I've decided to start my own channel and give it my best shot at making films in the near future! I also wanted to say, your quality of videos over the last month has HUGELY increased. Not that they weren't great before, but now they are amazingly well thought out and looking (And Sounding) pretty damn professional. Keep up the great work, you're going places! -Houston

[@DSLRguide]

+houston paquette this is really encouraging to hear, thanks man! all the best with your films!

[@yoelimargolis2951]

hey simon. I'm trying to start my own filmmaking channel. Definately will model it after you. Thanks so much. Btw I always feel like having an apple after watching ur videos.

[@DavidsMotoVlogg]

Will look back on This video in The future

[@chrisluong23]

really great video! love the exercise to think of which sounds to Foley and what you might miss. to add on to getting sound for a wide shot, there's a trick I learned that if your lighting is controlled or consistent, in your wide shot, go ahead and use your boom, set it up to get the best audio, as long as your content/talent isn't behind/in front of it. then shoot a blank video slate of the scene so that in post, you simply cover up the boom with the actual scene! works great for interviews!

[@DSLRguide]

+Chris Luong thanks Chris, it's a fun one to try. that's very true - in the right conditions that's a great trick to remember.

[@CandBStudios]

So true. Audio in movies is so important! For instance, I watched Pirates of the caribbean for the first time not too long ago, The movie it's self didn't capture me overly but I have been listening to the music all the time since. Even though I am unlikely to watch the movie again.

[@yankeescsa]

Personnally, I think a great example for effective use of sound is the movie Whiplash! Go ahead and watch it for a great sound-image pairing lesson! What are your favorites?

[@DSLRguide]

+Alexandre Colas-Jeffery I'll definitely check out that film one day, look interesting. Off the top of my head I'd say that that Se7en is my favourite for sound :)

[@yankeescsa]

I'll check that out too! Thank you!

[@Globoom]

For audio and sound design check out pretty much every David Lynch film. He is the master of creating tension and mood with sound. Also Hannibal (the series) has great sound design

[@oulanbat]

Extremely interesting and helpful. Your work is amazing !

[@olivergoldthwaite7841]

I really appreciate all of your content, especially this video being that I am a bit of an audiophile. "The fastest way to ruin great video is bad audio."

[@samuelaseolas]

That intro omg yes

[@alvinlax]

I know you’re out there grinding. Randomly found this video via search. Hope you’re well, bud. Def miss seeing your style of content among the others. You are one of my early inspirations for getting into film/photo.

[@apetterproductions5878]

That's a lot of useful knowledge compressed into a short and well-made video. Thanks for making this! Watching a film without sound to note down what you expect to hear is a great idea!

[@Cmonwatchthis]

Simon, I have really found your channel extremely helpful and inspirational to me and I just wanted to know if you going to start doing independent filming like with festivals once you finish school or are you going to do corporate/commercial projects?

[@AlexElan]

I love your video's so much

[@gadsnow42]

what lavalier mics do you use?

[@maxbroomfield5392]

He doesn't use lav mics for the stand up in DSLR guide but he has a Rode Link

[@firefleetstudios1008]

One of my favourite videos you've ever made, really good help, keep it up!

[@MonoahMono]

Awesome content sir!

[@Divineshot]

Great advice, I'm getting into film making and your channel is helping me out a ton!

[@dominiquethenosyreader2686]

Divineshot 314 same here

[@neuromonkey]

Great videos. I'm not even finished watching my second one, and already I've gotten a few very valuable pieces of info. I've done audio recording for many years, and I've worked on a few short films. I thought I had a fairly good grasp on what I needed to know to script, record, and edit my drama podcast, but you've helped me avoid a couple of potentially time-consuming mistakes. Thanks, man! I really appreciate it.

[@keatonloudamy9160]

Wow great thoughts! My favorite episode!

[@southendonseaarts]

I think sound is so important especially foley it’s vitally important to get the right foley sound in a scene good production sound is key poor audio with noise is hard to fix in post good sound is easily enhanced and can soar especially to high levels without clipping or distortion. Izotope is superb to use to enhance production sound.

[@iutopian9322]

What mic did you use for your short film?

[@flashbang2865]

Hey dude this is super cool that you are helping every wanna be filmmaker like me and tons of other people that come to your channel have to admit its very impressive thank you very much

[@fffffffdfrfftfc]

In tip four when you said use it as a back up. That is really a good idea! Because I'm shooting a video for my school soon and that tip is useful for just in case if the rode video mic pro breaks I have a backup recorder or if the audio messes up. Thanks!

[@DSLRguide]

+Andriano .S it's also if the boom op points it at the wrong person, or doesn't have it aimed quite right. Could be that the shotgun mic's weird pickup pattern catches a nasty sound reflection, that the lav completely avoids. Lots of reasons :)

[@BruceFarrellPhotos]

thank you for the time and effort ,you put into your videos

[@matafilms]

this channel is so useful its annoying my skills

[@pyotrlye]

"Let's make the sound of dog barking from a distance Cliche Who cares" -Simon Cade 2015-2015

[@jodyglover2780]

Thank you Simon for creating such interesting and informative videos.

[@saysomestuff]

Great video as always, I was half expecting no crunch when you bit the apple to drive the point home!

[@DSLRguide]

+Cole Whitelaw did that in my last audio episode ;)

[@saysomestuff]

Ha ha I knew you wouldn't have missed an opportunity like that. Keep up the good work, your videos are always inspiring, clear and enlightening. Cheers.

[@caveartfilms434]

You are right about sound being 50% of your film. Even more so, perhaps. Dodgy camerawork can be passed off as arthouse film but bad sound is bad sound.

[@TonyBabarino]

You know, I REALLY do enjoy this channel. The presentation is friendly, the music is excellent, and the information is good. I only wish he'd post TWICE a week instead of once a week! :)

[@DSLRguide]

+Tony Babarino thanks Tony, this is honestly so reassuring to hear! Once a week is hitting me pretty hard at the moment haha

[@TonyBabarino]

DSLRguide You do a nice job at being clear and friendly! THIS video in particular shows you're clearly stepping up on your game, with more sophisticated information and examples (ie.. differences in sound and you tape the mic, etc). You give us MORE information per video than the Film Riot channel. Also, you background music is good and consistent. PS: Could you do a DSLR vs. Camcorder comparison? (field of view/width, video quality & options, pros/cons of each, etc)? Thanks!

[@biseydaha]

I found your videos very helpful and passionate. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@manekaze6857]

Amazing inputs can’t wait to add some great audio to my productions

[@sickphil71]

A few questions/observations: 1. I mourn the loss of the slate: there's just something so Hollywood-feeling about using one. 2. Egg crate foam works almost as well as acoustic foam panels for the studio and a HUGE piece of it is only about $10 at Wally World, as opposed to the $259 that some places want you to pay for the other stuff. 3. Is the Zoom H5 that much of an improvement over the H4n? If I'm going to buy another recorder (I already have 2 H1s and an H4n), would the increase in functionality justify leapfrogging over the H5 and biting the $150 bullet to purchase the H6? 4. If you're mixing for 5.1 surround, how do you create a decent bass channel? I have to admit that I still struggle with that. Is it micing the shot? Is the secret in post? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[@DSLRguide]

+sickphil71 1. that's true - more importantly it's what a lot of actors / crew are used to, kind of like a ritual to say "are you ready to start?" 2. great DIY tip :) 3. I'd say it's significantly better. For starters it can be expanded to have an extra two XLR inputs (no phantom power) with a separate purchase. Plus, it has real audio dials - tactile gain knobs for each channel. That's a big deal & makes it a lot easier to use. I'd only go for the H6 if I knew I needed lots of tracks (i.e. live music recording, or many lavaliers). 4. I have literally no experience with 5.1 - can't help you there!

[@sickphil71]

OK, well thanks for the quick answers. If I learn any more about the 5.1 mix, I'll pass it on.

[@icaruseden1783]

wow you sound so smooth like a butterscotch....

[@spitefullymy]

Very, very well done man! :) Super smooth

[@manisub2971]

Hi dear siman im staying in India, ur videos make me easily learn film making...thank you dear....

[@sweta6694]

Great tips! Thank you Simon.

[@juliano3435]

That ending was great whoa.

[@juscm017]

These tips really seems professional GREAT JOB!

[@alexdruiventak8372]

Im always learning something here... great job

[@imogenlianaa]

This was so helpful. Love your videos man!

[@erasdm]

Nice video, i hope you can teach me more, and sharing your contact. i wanna learn everything about film. hope you can be my mentor simon :)

[@Jayypastel24]

Your videos are amazing man

[@beaflat]

Great work...sound is 50% of the film...I will be far more mindful in the future, opens up new realms of creativity. Thanks.

[@m.williams.actor7]

Thank you for this. Very informative as I am just starting out and it has given a lot of things to think about.

[@kazman500]

Trip #3! Awesome!

[@wesselconway3920]

For slating, be careful not to put the slate in view of the camera while it is closed, to then re-open it and close it again. Bring the slate into view of the camera with it already open, then close it once, then pull it out of frame. If the slate comes into the frame closed it can be confusing. Just a random tip I learned ^^

[@Danny-wx8uy]

Good tip for me ths a lot

[@Aljazy.]

You are really passionate about what you do, really awesome video.

[@TheMDOutdoors2016]

Awesome video and tips. You are very well educated on film making.

[@dominiquethenosyreader2686]

This is the best video ive seen for audio thanks

[@luigirebollos9029]

how do you remove hissing noise?

[@DSLRguide]

I usually don't, I just record in quiet places

[@luigirebollos9029]

I think I have some sort of OCD because I can't record whenever I hear a hiss. It just bothers me.

[@thecreedbrothers]

Luigi look up audition noise removal. Or try putting on a DeNoiser through premier

[@RotterStudios]

try EQ. remove some high end and boost the mids a bit. you can also run the track through a de - esser. there are sound engineers that work with this stuff as well. if you can't do it how you like, get someone who can...nothing wrong with bringing in another set of ears.

[@THTerra]

Audacity (free) has a advanced feature to remove noise :)

[@donnafluff_]

Wow, just wow! So useful tipps! Thank you!

[@lyndonalvarez2684]

dude, I love how proficient you are. I'll support you when you release some paid for material, that's for sure :) I loved those little in camera jump cuts w/ your locked off static shot, never thought of that till seeing it here.

[@DSLRguide]

+Lyndon Alvarez thanks Lyndon! for the moment I'm doing everything I can to keep everything free :)

[@lyndonalvarez2684]

;) not complaining

[@RileyDueck]

I live for Simon Cade's apple

[@mackaronifilmz8852]

YESSS!

[@sebastiansndergaardtelmer71]

You've got yourself another subscriber sir. Great video, top level knowledge you pass on - satisfied and will be coming back! :)

[@asizakhemasiza3962]

Dude im a big fan of your work

[@philip]

The problem with using a boom with a lav for backup is that your voice is noticeabley different on the different mics, and that needs to be fixed.

[@lzluna6802]

amazing sound tutorial ,the best!!!

[@bimchum]

you are fab buddy! awesome!

[@InvincibleExtremes]

another great

[@asadilyas10]

great quality work bro

[@andersondeoliveiraventurin7574]

Very good, you are making the diference in lives. -> I'm from Brazil