Slating

In class, we had a lesson on 'Slating/Recording the shot'. Here are the notes made:

This is mainly used to try save film-stock when shooting on film, and that there are certain actions around lighting and other positionings that  only the camera crew really need to know - these are indicated by (*C). 

On small crews, such as ours, the responsibility falls to the camera grip or someone else on crew, whereas in big crews, there are Assistants, Camera Assistants and even the Clapper-Loader. 

If the Director is happy with the final rehearsal and the Assistant Director will call for 'Last Looks'/'Final Checks', for which the Wardrobe, Hair & Make Up contributors will come in. Other techniques may check settings of equipment (for example, the Camera Assistant may check the focus). Every person involved with the filming should know where they are meant to be and where they are going during the take. 

NOTE: DO NOT CROWD AROUND THE MONITOR. 

Next, the Assistant Director asks 'Everyone ready for a take?'.

If everyone is ready, they announce 'Quiet please on set, we're going for a take.'

(On a larger set, the call for quiet may be passed down to 2nd Assistant Directors)

NOTE: People assume that if they work 'quietly' off set they'll be fine. DON'T DO THIS.

If there are any effects through the scene (rain/fog etc.) they are set in motion by the Art Department. Alternatively, the Assistant Director may call for 'Cue Smoke'

Assistant Director then calls 'Run Sound'

(If the film is being shot with a separate sound recorder, the sound recordist will begin recording here - the Sound Recordist will say 'Sound Running' or 'Speed')

On a single system this only indicates that the Recordist is happy with levels and has a return from the camera.

[*C. If shooting on film, or another double-system where image media is in short supply, the Shot and Take number can be announced at this point].