Cutting Films Shot Without Sound

Sound films in 16mm are quite often shot without any sound recording being made simultaneously. Many documentary films are shot without sound and the whole work of preparing a soundtrack is done in the cutting room. If you are cutting this kind of film the main stages of the job will be as follows:

  1. Shoot film.

  2. Process original and print cutting copy

  3. Log rushes.

  4. Break down rushes and assemble in script order.

  5. Fine cut picture.

  6. Re-record tape and disc sound effects and music on perforated magnetic film.

  7. Record narration.

  8. Match narration and sound effects tracks to fine cut picture.

  9. Dub final sound.

10. Neg cut.

11. Produce copies for showing.

You start by editing the picture in the normal way. Then you can think about sound. Look at your edited cutting copy and analyse it in terms of sound. Make a list of the sounds (music and effects) you need for each scene. You can then choose suitable tapes or discs of the sounds from a sound library and arrange for them to be re-recorded on perforated magnetic film. Next you must match sound and picture. In doing this you will build up a series of different soundtracks all matching your one cut reel of picture. If the film has a commentary you can record it at this stage, again recording on perforated magnetic film. The narration can then be matched to the edited picture. This is the most precise way of recording narration for it enables you to match sound and picture exactly. An alternative, not so precise, is to record during the final dub. When you have prepared all the soundtracks needed to bring the scenes to life you can dub the final mix. Then it is simply a case of matching the camera original to the edited cutting copy and making copies for showing.

CUTTING SOUND FILMS SHOT ‘MUTE’

Building up a soundtrack
Shoot (A), make a copy and cut. Record voice over narration (B). Transfer sound effects (C, D & E) from tape or disc to perforated magnetic film. Cut with cutting copy action. Dub to make final composite track – the final mix master (F).