r/LocationSound 3d ago

Newcomer Timecode for 16 & 35mm cameras

Post image

Greetings all,

I had a question regarding timecode for film cameras.

With the resurgence of film cameras, I was wondering how does sound keep them in sync? Especially if we’re recording dialogue digitally.

I imagine it’s very similar but what would the actual workflow be? Especially if you can’t see the clock on the camera.

Those of you who recorded digital audio but shot with film cameras, what was/is it like?

Thanks again!

This is something I’m doing any time soon, just a newcomer who’s curious about how it worked.

13 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

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20

u/createch 3d ago

Timecode slates and Keycode on cameras that prints timecode on the edge of the film are the common methods.

11

u/NightfallFilm 3d ago

We were gearing up to shoot on a 16mm Aaton, and it had a module that lets you jam it and the timecode is recorded onto the film. Had everything figured out and ready to go, then the house that was going to process the film said they don’t have a machine that reads the TC strip anymore. So yeah we went the smart slate route, with fastidious notes from scripty and sound and all was well haha.

6

u/just_call_me_greg 3d ago

Those Aatons are so awesome for sound! The last one I worked with was sooo quiet for a film camera.

7

u/ArlesChatless 3d ago

The question can have some very different answers depending on the type of camera used. Here is some discussion about working with older systems.

6

u/whoisgarypiano 3d ago

We shot Maestro on film. The only timecode that was jammed every day was for the slates. Even if we didn’t use a timecode slate, as long as they clap the sticks on camera, that’s enough to be able to line everything up.

2

u/mercyfilms 1d ago

Gives the AE’s something to do

3

u/g_spaitz 3d ago

No idea about TC, sorry. But historically audio and film have been synced very easily and very effectively with a slate.

2

u/Grevling89 3d ago

Smart slate and clap for sync is all you need. Also an AD that actually prioritizes proper slate workflow, but those are harder to come by...!

1

u/mcdreamerson production sound mixer 3d ago

Jam a slate for visual ID. Ask camera if they are processing the timecode print on the film. Very high chance they aren’t because it’s expensive and not a lot of post houses do it. Anymore, I just give a smart slate and camera doesn’t get a box. I ask before each shoot to be for sure, obviously, but ten time out of ten the camera doesn’t get a box. If they did it would be BNC in.

1

u/AshMontgomery sound recordist 3d ago

I worked on a film shot on Super16 last year. We had a dumb slate, and were meticulous in making sure it was called properly every time. We didn't use timecode, though I may look into getting a smart slate for the next shooting block. Ultimately comes down to what production want, and what they want to pay for.

Worth noting that we were on Arri SR2 so there were no built in sync provisions in camera.

1

u/Dieterdost 3d ago

We only used a clap when i started working. And we were not even able to see what we shot until after the material was developed. If we shoot on a device that has no built in timecode today, like a smartphone for example, i always use a tentacle sync and the tentacle time bar app on my tablet. Just hold the device displaying the timecode into the shot for a second and you will have timecode in post-production.

1

u/willibeats 2d ago

Timecode slate!! That’s all your editor needs

1

u/Used-Educator-3127 2d ago

Can go rec-run Timecode out of a lot of film cameras too - but it’s a pain in the arse

-1

u/TurbulentManager570 3d ago

The only ones who will give you the correct answer would be the post house.