Boom Pole Basics: Don't Look Like a Perv
45sThe humorous warning about holding the boom like a fishing pole and looking like a perv makes this segment highly shareable and memorable.
▶ Play ClipAI Summary
This video is a concise tutorial on the proper technique for holding a boom pole during film production. It covers the essential components of a boom setup, correct microphone positioning, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes.
Chapters
[00:00]
Introduction to Boom Holding
Freddie Wong introduces the topic of holding a boom pole, noting his new haircut, and sets up the tutorial with Kevin.
[00:14]
Boom Pole Setup Components
The boom pole setup consists of three parts: the pole, the microphone, and the cable (not shown). The direction the microphone points is critical.
[00:26]
Microphone Positioning
The microphone should be positioned roughly over the actor's head, pointing down at them. This is the correct orientation for capturing dialogue.
[00:38]
Staying Out of Frame
Hold the pole level to the ground and parallel to the scene to stay out of the camera frame. Avoid holding it like a fishing pole, which can get in the shot.
[00:51]
Alternative Holding Positions
Other acceptable positions include resting the pole on your head or neck, which are okay as long as they don't look awkward.
[01:09]
Minimize Movement
Be efficient with boom movements to avoid noise and distraction. Constant movement can cause unwanted sounds in the recording.
[01:22]
Booming Dialogue Scenes
For two-character dialogue, position the boom upright between them and rotate your wrists to alternate between actors for optimal mic coverage.
[01:34]
Adjustable Pole Length
Extend the pole longer than needed to hold it closer to the middle, which counterweights the pole better and reduces fatigue during long shots.
[01:48]
Final Tip: Check Power
Always ensure the microphone power is turned on. It's obvious but a common mistake that can ruin a take.
The video provides a quick, practical guide to boom pole handling, emphasizing proper positioning, minimal movement, and the importance of checking equipment settings. It's a useful primer for beginners in film production.
Tutorial Checklist
💡 Key Takeaways
🔧
Microphone Direction is Critical
Emphasizes the fundamental rule of pointing the mic down at the actor for clear audio capture.
00:26
🔧
Staying Out of Frame
Provides a practical tip to avoid ruining shots by holding the pole parallel to the ground.
00:38
🔧
Counterweighting the Pole
Offers an ergonomic solution to reduce fatigue during long takes, a common issue for boom operators.
01:34
📊
Check the Power
A simple but often overlooked reminder that can save a production from wasted time.
01:48Full Transcript
[00:00] Hey guys, I'm Freddie Wong and you may have noticed something different about me. I got a haircut. So today I'm going to tell you how to hold a boom. Hey guys, I'm Kevin and I'm going to show you how to hold a boom properly.
[00:14] There's typically three pieces involved in a boom pole setup. The boom pole, the microphone itself, and the cable, which is not here right now. An important thing to keep in mind is which direction the microphone is pointed.
[00:26] This is usually good. This is usually not. So what you want to do is use this boom pole to get the microphone roughly over the actor's head. You're usually pointing down at them.
[00:38] And you want to make sure you're staying out of the picture. So the easiest way to do this is to hold the pole pretty much level to the ground. You want to go out in this parallel line because that helps keep you out of the frame. If you hold it like a fishing pole, not only do you look like a complete perv, it will
[00:51] usually get in the shot. And then there's a couple other positions that are generally okay and acceptable. You can have it over like this which is usually how you do it but you can also kind of rest on your head or on your neck without looking like a total idiot That all okay The other thing you want to keep in mind is minimize your movement Be really efficient
[01:09] with how you're moving the boom. You don't want to be doing, you know, this all the time because because that'll happen. When you're booming a dialogue scene with two characters, you typically want to get the boom upright in between the two of them so you can just
[01:22] Just rotate your wrists to get both actors on mic, like this. Another thing to keep in mind is your boom pole will be adjustable in length. You typically want to have the pole out longer than you actually need it, because if you're
[01:34] holding for a shot and you're way down here at the end of the pole, it'll get really heavy. But if you give yourself a little more extension, you can hold the pole a little closer to the middle and it counterweights itself a little better. Thanks for watching, guys, and if all else fails, make sure the power is turned on.
[01:48] It's really obvious, but it's important that someone says it anyway.
