Slating is an essential process in film production that helps organize footage and synchronise audio and video in post-production. The slate, a clapperboard, contains key information about each shot and provides an audio/visual sync point.
Key Information on the Slate
- Production title
- Director’s name
- Cinematographer’s name
- Date
- Roll/card number
- Scene number
- Take number
- Camera frame rate
- Interior/exterior designation
- Day/night designation
How to Mark the Slate
- Use the scene number from the script (Scene 24)
- Add letters for different setups within a scene (24A, 24B, etc.)
- Increment the take number for each attempt (Take 1, Take 2, etc.)
- Avoid using letters I, O, and Z as they can be confused with numbers 1
Proper Slating Technique
- Fill out all relevant information on the slate before rolling
- Hold the slate in the frame with the sticks open
- Call out the scene and take information (“Scene 24 Alpha, Take 1”)
- Say “marker” before clapping the sticks 1
- Clap the sticks together firmly to create a clear audio spike
- Remove the slate from the frame after clapping
Additional Slating Tips
- Use soft sticks (gentle clap) when slating close to actors’ faces
- For multiple cameras, slate where all cameras can see or do separate claps for each
- If you forget to slate at the beginning, you can slate at the end of a take
- Use gaffer’s tape instead of markers to write on the slate to avoid smudging
- Keep the slate simple, only fill out the necessary information
- Develop a consistent slating system and stick to it
Accurate and consistent slating is crucial for organizing footage for editors, syncing audio and video in post-production, cross-referencing with script supervisor notes, and identifying preferred and bad takes.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth post-production workflow and maintain professional standards on set.
