Movies for TV - Early Television Foundation

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USINGFILMSONTV 273
Set 6. Middle shot from train side, hero just getting
through gates as they are closed. Hold focus as pursuers
run up and try to argue way through to train.
Close-up of expressions of anger as "All aboard"
and train starting sounds heard. 18 seconds
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None of this insert has dialogue, but it does have sound-over;
that is, background sounds are dubbed in after the film has been
shot and edited. All the sounds required can be obtained from sound
effects records or manufactured in the studio. For the sake of con-
venience and reduction of possible human errors in operation, it is
to record the sound on the film after it has been edited.
preferable
Of course, an acetate disc could be cut or the sound could be re-
corded on tape or wire, but each of these systems has the disad-
vantage that it is an additional operation which could go wrong.
It costs more to make a sound film, but not very much, and in the
opinion of the author it is worth every penny of it in peace of mind
and the knowledge that there is one less thing to go wrong. After the
work print has been edited and the negative cut to conform with it,
a sound film track can be shot by projecting the final work print,
making the sounds to be dubbed in, and recording them on a
separate sound film. This sound film is then printed in contact with
the picture print negative and the result is a sound-over positive
with all the sounds on it. If there had been dialogue, the cost for ac-
curate synchronizing would have been considerably greater and the
importance of the sequence might not have justified it. In that case,
after a lot of practice on the part of the cast in timing their dialogue,
a tape recording could probably be made which could be cued in
at the proper time and provide lip sync sound.
The operation described above comes under the title of "Shoot-
ing on Location" or, more briefly, "On Location." There are a
number of pitfalls for the unwary even in this comparatively simple
task. Before even planning the operation, it is essential to ascertain
that permission can be obtained from the owner of the property to
take films there. This is most important, for if it should be neglected