Pro Boom Op Reacts to FilmSkills Booming Tutorial

Welcome to my second "Reaction" video where I watch another boom pole/operator video and react to it. In this video I watch a recent video from Filmskills and analyze the info they present.
This was originally a video with 3 videos separate videos being watched and reacted to but while editing, I realized it would be way too long to release as one and therefore split it into 2 parts.
Ken Strain's Masterclass on Boom Operating:
www.videomantis.com/courses/b...
Watch the original video from FilmSkills here: • Professional Boom Oper...
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[@Dale_Blackburn]

I am a boom operator myself, i hope you will reply to this message. One thing that drives me CRAZY with other people holding the booms is this: 16:09 why is he pointing the microphone DOWN on the FLOOR? The sound source comes from the mouth of the crying woman and yet, the microphone points DOWNWARDS. Here, another one: 8:07 why is it downward again? This is so idiotic and wrong! You need to get as close to the source possible, and point the ending of the mic directly to the source. Sure, when two actors talk in FAST pace, you point the mic. vertically downside in order to compromise and get get %50 of the sound from each actor. Because when you try to turn the mic. from one actors mouth to other mouth sideways so fast, you can end up with movement noise: shock mount shake noise, cable rubbing noise or windscreen friction noise due the movement... Especially if you have less expensive boom accessories that i mentioned. But they do this idiotic thing even when there is a single actor talking or crying, they point DOWNSIDE on the floor! Why is this never talked on anywhere? It drives me crazy. Why even on pro film sets they usually point the microphone down on the FLOOR like that?? 14:34 I would get on front of them if the design allows, and i would record the sound on front of them, i would hold the mic sideways, turning the mic end one to another as they talked in this scene, for example. I would not stay on the side area and put the mic DOWNWARDS like that, ever!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Brilliant. Pinning. Thanks for watching!

[@Dale_Blackburn]

@@SoundSpeeds Wow! I wasn't expecting this. Thanks a lot! I wrote that comment in a hurry, i tried to re- shape and edit it, but it gave an error. Anyways... I would be glad if you can do a video or share your comment on why they hold the mic. downwards like that? It makes me crazy because it is the most basic thing to correct and to guess it out by yourself... In some scenes you have no choice, so you COMPROMISE and point it downwards, but most of the time i see this mistake repeated when they have a choice for movement or twisting of the microphone on correct position. This way, the quality and frequency range that is captured becomes ideal.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It makes sense too - be on axis regardless of face and body position.

[@alexginzo1246]

Can't say this enough, being a boom operator also means you need to understand the mics you're boom wife and that also means understanding the directionality and polar pattern.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Exactly right!

[@curtisjudd]

I like this series, lots of great info!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks Curtis. My next video is part 2.

[@Hugmir]

I concur, this is very nicely educative.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. I may have to do some more then.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Congratulations Allen! You really learn a lot through these examples commented by you, useful not only for boom operators but for the whole troupe

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's great to hear. Thank you

[@nickm8134]

The value you added to those example shots of boom ops in action! - so much useful info you gave us - it would be great to make one or a series where you comment on real-world scenarios like that - especially liked the comments on when to boom from below - so much detail there!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Nick. It's difficult to judge a scene from a BTS sequence but I'll see what I can do. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Really love these reaction videos and super informative !

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks dude. They are interesting and fun to go into blind.

[@Ranger7Studios]

Even good director and cinematographer should know about boom operation, especially when you are starting out. So that doesn't bother me at all. I talk about boom operation all the time and I am not a sound guy by any means. I've always operated on the theory that, the more I understand the jobs around me, the better I can communicate with each department. Although I am not a boom op, I still understand their job and have at least tried it a few times myself.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You are correct, of course. I just get frustrated when now sound people host sound videos. Directors and DPs already get a lot of attention online whether BTS or interviews and I prefer sound people discussing sound. I have a background in lighting and was a PPA photographer for 5 years but it I were to host a video on camera angles and lighting, a lot of people would be annoyed when "Boom Operator" showed up under my name. I know Directors and DPs understand enough to be dangerous but still... Do you see where I'm coming from?

[@johanw1163]

I appreciate where you are coming from and definitely agree with you. Unfortunately many times this is far from reality, in my experience on productions in the UK I just can't say that directors or DPs generally have good idea of how my boom op or myself as a mixer are working even if they believe they do. I appreciate there is people that do but as a Sound guy I wouldn't give any advice or make videos about how to operate camera etc. even if I try and understand it as much as possible.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Everybody knows how to do sound but nobody except camera should dare tell them how to do their jobs. Yep

[@pmierzwa9203]

I agree with you in theory, but it's wrong to have someone who isn't an experienced crafts person purport to teach someone about someone else's job; cameos, sound bites, OK but not prolonged education. I can tell you about any job on the set, but I wouldn't call myself a qualified educational resource on their job.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Indeed but sometimes we run I to green people that need help or our experience lends us a solution we can share tactfully.

[@jcon654]

Serious, you are KING Sound Speeds!

[@SoundSpeeds]

😎

[@pmierzwa9203]

Well done, AIII, as always. I agree with your assessments...and I love your reactions. You're completely serious, correct, and funny at the same time. Kudos!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching Patrushkha. :-)

[@jeremyryannoel]

9:50 reminds me of the times I’d use the top of my head as a temporary relief (resting it on the headphone band while the back hand balances the pole). After being hired on my first audio gig (April 2022), immediately I sought alternative positions for 16 hour days.

[@SoundSpeeds]

As you should. Resting the boom on your headphone band seems harmless enough but it's very punishing on your spine over time especially at your neck.

[@jeremyryannoel]

@@SoundSpeeds Absolutely. I may have used the head rest 3-4 times in two weeks, so not too fatiguing :-)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Be careful

[@paulfairchild8942]

Love your reaction series! Your reaction to the guy that built a boom pole using a broom was so funny (and accurate of course)!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Stressful. ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@TheREAPERBlog]

this reaction series is great.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. They are fun. :-)

[@ili6065]

Great video. I`ve learned some new to me.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great! That's my goal with these videos.

[@ili6065]

there`re many interesting detales i didn`t know before watching this video

[@SoundSpeeds]

More to come. :-)

[@RobertLinthicum]

I enjoyed this, and learned a lot through your reactions. "Microphone boom" reminds me of a woman who was an on-field football commentator. She called the Kansas City Chiefs "The Chiefs Team", over and over.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a fan of that phrase and that made me frustrated. Calling it a "microphone boom" made him lose some credibility with me instantly as a presenter on the topic of booming and boom mics.

[@ppiittii]

I study Sounddesign and visited my first film set as a boom op two weeks ago and my god could I have used your tips :D Thank you anyways though, I'll remember this video on the next set

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing! Plenty more where this one came from if you look back thru my archives. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinbatts2804]

This is a killer series.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Another one tomorrow.

[@cedbon7804]

Dope!! From Paris

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Paris! :-)

[@danielmontes2354]

9:00 i bet the audio on that take was pristine clean 😂

[@SoundSpeeds]

It may have been. Can't tell.

[@danielmontes2354]

The fan operator agrees 😅

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@managherroad]

It's difficult for folk watching these 'film skills' type of tutorial videos. If you know whats going on, you can understand what they're talking about, and if you don't know, they might as well be talking about anything. This video you've made, is a wonderful insight for anyone starting out. Always go to the source for info, always. If you want to know how to swing a boom, ask a boom op.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Well said! Thank you for your support and for watching.

[@TheREAPERBlog]

what mics were we seeing at 26:00 ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It looks like a Schoeps CMC-641 with a GVC swivel on it. That's a Schoeps CCM-6 preamp and CK41 capsule. Could also be a 5 or older but the current model is the 6.

[@enricofrancese6333]

Thanks, that's very interesting and useful. I have one request if I may: I'd love to watch a tutorial on audio monitoring with different systems, from the pros to the low budget. Thanks again

[@SoundSpeeds]

I could help with something like village monitor headphones but audio is subjective so it depends on you, what you like to hear and how it feels on your head.

[@enricofrancese6333]

@@SoundSpeeds yes, sorry that was my "language" mistake, I meant village monitor systems. I'm building up my audio bag and before getting to expensive solutions I'd like to see other solutions (if there are some worthy ones out there). Thanks again for your super useful videos

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing! I can do that. Thanks for watching.

[@kugelfunk]

Really enjoyed this, thanks. I'm not a film guy but do educational videos and try to pick up some production skills from people like you every now and then. From an educational point of view you being so strict works really well. I am wondering though if you are as tough with other people when you are on set?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm diplomatic on set. Assertive at times, firm at times but always diplomatic as sound should be with exception of safety concerns. Regarding safety, I'm very firm and unwavering

[@steveworonko5307]

I like how every example video is using a film camera.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I noticed that in editing. I love it!

[@steveworonko5307]

@@SoundSpeeds Being in camera and close to the boom ops, your videos shine a lot on what you have to deal with, which some of us know and realize, wish more of the people like you referred to in the video, those who didn't work they way up, would take the time to learn about what goes on around them. The show I just finished, the DP liked to tell the A Op, 'it's not always about you'. But that rings true on so many occasions. Like you mentioned, it's a dance with multiple people to get the shot, we're working together, not against each other, especially if you want to get through your day,.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Well said. As you know, I'm all about team effort on set.

[@antoineholliday7631]

Is there anything wrong with putting a magnet on your internally cabled boom Pole, such as the "Orca OR-17"? If it's secured tightly, it shouldn't slide or make any noise. Is this bad practice?

[@SoundSpeeds]

As long as it doesn't slide during a take and cause handling noise, it should be fine

[@ferociousbung]

If you haven’t seen Deity Microphones’s video “How to Be a Boom Operator” it would be interesting to hear your thought on their advice and techniques. Also, speaking for everyone watching, we would LOVE a video on technique if you haven’t already made one.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I commented on the video and simply said that I wish they would have had a boom operator instead of a sound mixer teach about booming. In the city of angels they should have been able to find someone. I'm in the works of designing a techniques video. It would be a three parter.

[@ferociousbung]

@@SoundSpeeds I didn’t realize there were two videos by them of the same title. I meant the one from 6 months ago with the female boom op. That one is probably more accurate.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's the one I commented on. She is a sound mixer not a boom op and because I like Sara, I didn't want to blast it in the comments.

[@ferociousbung]

@@SoundSpeeds good man

[@SoundSpeeds]

😎

[@ricocasazza]

Ehy Allen how do you deal with keeping the boom mic out of the camera frame but close to the talent, are there some solutions to this problem?

[@SoundSpeeds]

There are various ways... Communication with the camera operator to know what they are doing helps. Having an understanding of framing and what they are trying to accomplish. Some people use a small monitor. There are various options.

[@ricocasazza]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks yeah I saw different styles of making sure you’re not entering the frame. I guess it’s a matter of habit and skills

[@SoundSpeeds]

I will elaborate in a video soon.

[@ricocasazza]

@@SoundSpeeds ​ oh yes please! i haven't seen a video that covers this particular aspect, yet is a very important aspect of booming correctly !

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. :-)

[@mbdgrecordz629]

Do Boom Ops choose sound absorptive coats in the winter? What about Covid-19 face shields reflecting high frequencies indoors if everyone on set is wearing one in a small room. Totally off-topic question: if barometric pressure drops right before storm or tornado (the calm be4 the storm not during high winds), is sound quality severely affected?

[@SoundSpeeds]

We wear effective clothing in the winter. Faceshields won't affect the acoustics enough on set for us to worry about it. Sound is not affected by pressure.

[@mbdgrecordz629]

@@SoundSpeeds The curvature of face shields may diffuse or scatter reflection for loud, high frequencies. I forgot, only below 50Hz the pressure can make a difference. For example, large box shaped objects have a mode/resonant frequency and can start to vibrate like a bass flute and cancel out noise in small frequency range. I'm guessing the noise cancellation would be omni-directional.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It would be impossible to spot treat and account for face Shields on set. If concerned about acoustics in a room, great the room. A few face Shields going in different directions are the least of my concerns when we have cameras (with fans), lights (with fans) and many other hard surfaces that will bounce sound around.

[@jaimefish173]

i've had many instances where because of masks, you hear heavy breathing from cam op and myself if im close to talent.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've heard that too.

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

So one time I wrapped the xlr cable around the pole a few times to manage it a little, I was told not to wrap because it "creates an antenna". But here, I'm seeing it done a ton and now I don't know what to think. You seem pro, what is your official advice on that?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It depends on the shielding. Antennas aren't shielded and if your cable is made properly and has an effective shield, it won't become an antenna.

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

@@SoundSpeeds Makes sense. Thank you Sir!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@gianthills]

Great lesson! Is there much work out there for newbies?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not sure but there's not much work out there for seasoned pros right now, I can say with certainty.

[@gianthills]

@@SoundSpeeds Much appreciated!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing.

[@michael86734]

Cool is that hard to do

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a skill

[@iancraig]

It seems quite funny that a pro sound channel is using automatic gain or a massive amount of compression. It pumps up in the spaces between sentences.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Auphonic leveler to -16 LKFS. According to my metrics over half of my audience watches on their phone so it's important to have a constant level. Adjust up and down on a phone is incredibly annoying.

[@iancraig]

Not Sound Speeds, Allen. That Boom Pole video, ‘FilmSkills’! It’s up and down like a yoyo

[@SoundSpeeds]

I brought it way down at the beginning and end because it was just music. Aside from that, it should be fine. I leveled their audio too. Perhaps they were using lavs and it's that compression you're hearing?

[@iancraig]

Oh OK. It’s the gaps between sentences where hiss comes up. Really fast as well. I managed to do that by mistakenly compressing some audio twice! Sound is so much harder than video......

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, that's probably my leveling. Don't hold it against FilmSkillz

[@loretti1039]

Thank you for your time spend on training people and for your great content. Only one tip: I suggest you to improve your empathy skills when making your videos. Besides that it’s perfect.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm working on it but many times I get frustrated when information is presented as factual when it's either opinion or situational.

[@mishodc]

I love him as is honestly. Yeah he throws shade but is very informative and I can definitely get passed that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

😎

[@pmierzwa9203]

Maybe empathy for the crew working on the shot, but not the educators; they're responsible for much of the lack of education on the set. (As we say on set) Never Shave :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally. :-)

[@jasunci]

I would be hot headed too, if that other trash video, was the one I used to teach myself the art of booming... #JoiningTheParty

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally. Crazy thing is that there's a video released about 8 years earlier on the same channel where the host makes a $40 boom including shockmount. It was so much better. Nothing I'd endorse but much better effort made.

[@mariomanti-gualtiero1228]

If no one is calling out “boom” every once in a while, the boom operator isn’t trying hard enough! 😂

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've heard that before but don't entirely agree with it.

[@mariomanti-gualtiero1228]

@@SoundSpeeds I’m with you, but there’s some truth to it. I’ve seen “boom ops” lazily hold the boom way out of frame, making zero effort to really “dig in” to get good sound. What always drives me a little crazy is when I can see the monitor, we’re not rolling yet, and I’m purposely dipping into frame just to find my line when I hear two or three people yelling “boom!!!!” You make a very valid point about how the frame line we see before the roll might change on a whim, but at least it gives me some kind of idea. Most of the work I get is Indy work where I’m expected to be a one man band. I enjoy it. I’d rather work the boom myself than delegate it to someone inexperienced. Some producers still think it’s just a guy holding a mic on a stick and don’t entirely appreciate the skill involved in finding the best mic placement, unfortunately.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very true but consider this... You can see a monitor and there's a big safe zone. Feature pace so it's slow and there are rehearsals. In this case, you shouldn't be seen everyday.

[@pmierzwa9203]

Saying that continues an outdated expression.

[@jasunci]

But hey, at least you lasted a total of four minutes b4 adding some salt...

[@SoundSpeeds]

4 whole minutes? Someone call Guinness!

[@alexginzo1246]

A director and DP shouldn't be hosting a class on anything sound. They're usually the ones compromising our job. Uggh.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed.

[@Maram.beltaief123]

Can you give me a a pro headset for free

[@SoundSpeeds]

No

[@Luke_Likes_Lakes]

It was worth a shot, Joe. Better luck next time

[@SoundSpeeds]

😆

[@alexginzo1246]

This is by far the worst video (I mean the film skills video) about booming. It's always best to learn from an experienced boom op.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Well said.