When we think of video, we naturally think of moving images as the main component. Yet a comprehensive study for the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society found that audio quality had a significant influence on how viewers rated a video. In the experiment, the study participants were more likely to dislike a video when the audio quality was poor than a clip with poor image quality. So, to achieve that high-production value feel, many directors opt to hire a sound stage. This allows them to cut out external sounds and gives them higher control (depending on the studio) over the acoustics.
Table of Contents
Sound Stage DefinitionWhy Hire a Sound Stage?What to Look Out ForChecklistBudget
Sound Stage Definition
A soundstage is usually a large, indoor studio that has been soundproofed so that no external sounds bleed into production. The walls are often covered in thick, sound-absorbent material so that there are no reverberations of sounds. Floors are usually bare so that cameras can easily be wheeled around. Some sound stages are or have adjacent green stages allowing you to superimpose backgrounds. Like standard studios, many also have lighting rigs, rooms for cast, crew, hair and makeup, and offer catering. The Backstage Centre, a soundstage studio in Purfleet, UK, for example, boasts an 875m²/9418sqft soundstage with a 60-ton rigging facility. John Sheehan, its interim General & Technical Manager, says
Why Hire a Sound Stage?
Many directors planning to record the sound while filming (rather than dubbing it over the video later) opt for hiring a sound stage to ensure the audio quality is perfect. Other advantages are that they don’t lose time while pausing for outside noises to stop or spending money on removing unwanted sound in post-production. It also means there is no requirement to get filming permits, as is the case for most outdoor spaces. We chatted with Saam Gabbay, an accomplished director and photographer based in Los Angeles, about why he uses soundstages. Thanks to his unique experience as both a director and photographer, Saam has worked on a couple of projects that combine both disciplines. In these cases, it is cost-effective as well as efficient to shoot the video and photographs in one location. Doing so on a soundstage ensures that you have enough space and the right setting to get all the shots you need. Saam explains how the space of a soundstage can be useful for particular shoots,
What to Look Out For
It’s worth keeping in mind that especially larger soundstages are not always fully soundproof. In some, you can hear planes and even traffic. Also, the better equipped the soundstage is, the more you can immerse yourself in the creative process. Max Berger, a Producer from MCM Creative agrees. He says, John’s advice? As with hiring any service and venue, doing some legwork is crucial. You need to research the facility you are planning to hire and check recommendations, and, if possible, pay them a visit. Jen Ubil, the director of studio development at Expressway Cinema Rentals, has extensive experience with soundstage productions. She says,
Checklist
Sound stage studios can vary hugely in terms of what is provided — from the basic to the fully serviced and catered. Jen has some sage advice when it comes to looking for a space to hire, Here is a checklist to make sure you’re covered:
Is the stage fully soundproofed/isolated from the outside? Have you verified this yourself or via reviews and recommendations?Is the stage big enough?Are there any windows/natural light? Can these be covered if required?What kind of lighting equipment is available? Is there a rig/lamps/etc?Is there a green screen/green room should you need one?Are there enough dressing/make-up rooms?Do they offer pre-lit stages and/or serviced sound stage studios?Is it easily accessible for the cast and crew?What kind of catering (if any) do they provide?Are the doors big enough to fit through if you have any large equipment?Can you get hold of more equipment should you need it?Does the soundstage have the required permits in place?Do you/does the sound stage have insurance in place?Does the building have sufficient electrical capacity to run all the lighting your shoot will require?
Budget
There is a vast range of soundstages, ranging from very small and basic, to stages at the cutting edge of technological advances with rotating floors. This is why the price range is also huge, and fully depends on the size, how soundproof it is, location, and equipment. Prices range from $20 per hour to $100,000 (think Hollywood sound stage) a week. Especially as a photographer-turned-director, it’s easy to have a bias toward the visual aspect of a moving-image production. But good sound is just as important for the reception of a film, as good image quality, so it’s important to invest an adequate part of the budget in sound quality, including a suitable soundstage if necessary. Only a production in which the sound is spot-on will do the visuals justice. No matter how much effort and resources you put into filming, bad audio can ruin a video or film, so it’s worth investing time and part of the budget to make sure the sound is also spot on.
About the Author
Sonia Klug is an inquisitive writer specializing in writing about digital technology and is fluent in three languages. Other than working as a writer at Wonderful Machine, she also contributes to The Independent and various print magazines. You can learn more about Sonia on her website and connect with her via LinkedIn. This article was originally published here and shared with permission.
