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How to I sync sound when I shoot on film but edit on video/digitally?

Internet Filmmakers' FAQ

By far the easiest way to do this is to have your post-house do it for you. So long as you are using a standard sync method (clapper, timecode etc) then the post-house should have no problem. You simply get cutting copies of your film on video, with the sound already in sync. Obviously the lab with charge for this service, but in the long run it’s often better considerably easier just to let them do it.

If you are poor... well probably the best way is to do your editing on computer using your favourite editing application. You can spend a lot of time capturing your individual slates and corresponding audio, syncing them up and saving them as clips on disk. Syncing can be done either with an audio cue (i.e. a clapper) or using a visual cue such as a timecode slate. If you are going to attempt this, you should also give consideration to what speed you will record your sound at; 24fps, 25fps, 29.97fps, or 30fps, depending on the television system used in your country (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) and what capabilities your editing software has for importing sound.

All things aside, it's probably a good idea to talk to your post-house honestly about your budget and requirements. They should be able to advise you on the best method.

Answer by Benjamin Craig  |  Last updated 13-Dec-2004

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