Video Production: how to properly slate and what to avoid

You see it all the time in quirky behind-the-scenes videos and outtake reels, but slating, the practice of slapping down the arm on that cool little clapper thing at the beginning of a video shot, is more of an art form that most people realize. And, when I say art form, I mean this in the same way that driving a vehicle without running over pedestrians like Grand Theft Auto Gone Wild is a fine-honed skill. Slating is what video editors go by in post production to match video shots with the correct audio tracks and synchronize them so it doesn’t end up looking like a re-dubbed foreign film.

Tomm Jacobson, who bears a striking resemblance to Jimmi Simpson, gives us the lowdown on how you should and shouldn’t slate.

In this short video guide, Tomm explains the reasoning behind proper slating, what information is vital to editors in post production, the best techniques for achieving proper results, and a few tips on alternate methods if you don’t have a proper slate on hand. No, it’s not a science, but neither is tying one’s shoes…and that took me years to figure out.

So, whether you’re just starting out in filmmaking or simply looking to make your editing workflow a after the shoot a little smoother, this is definitely worth watching.

[“Pro Tip: HOW TO SLATE” via No Film School]