BLOG QUESTION: PICKUP PATTERNS

What are the different pickup patterns mentioned in the video? How are each of them different from each other? Why would these be needed?

The different pickup patterns mentioned include Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Hypercardioid (Mini-Shotguns), Supercardioid (Shotgun), Lobar (Unidirectional), and Bidirectional (Figure 8 Pattern). An omnidirectional pickup pattern records audio from every direction, meaning that they pickup a lot of surrounding sound. This pickup pattern is helpful when you're trying to control ambient sound or subjects that are moving around, and it's commonly used for lav mics. A cardioid mic is great for many purposes, but particularly documentaries or events. They can still pickup background noise if they're not in a controlled environment. Hypercardioid and Supercardioid (also known as mini and regular shotguns) are best for recording isolated sounds. Hypercardiod pickup patterns are commonly used to record instruments, as on-camera mics, and for documentary recordings. Supercardiod pickup patterns are best for scripted audio. The different between the two is the amount of noise that is picked up from behind the mic, with hypercardioid picking up more sound. Lobar is the most unidirectional pickup pattern, and is best used for controlled sets and narrative film. You'll need someone to assist you on set if you decide to use this mic, and someone who's experienced and familiar with it. Lastly, the bidirectional pickup pattern is used for podcasts and radio interviews. This mic picks up audio equally from the front and back of the mic.

BLOG QUESTION: WALKIE-TALKIE LINGO ON SET

How can effective walkie-talkie communication improve coordination and safety on a film set, and what are some key best practices you should follow when using them?

Understanding walkie-talkie lingo can help you and your crew communicate effectively between departments. It allows you to communicate directly to someone in case you need them for any reason. Some basic etiquette that's important to follow is to make sure you stay concise, professional (no banter), give people time to respond by hiding your wires, waiting a beat, address people directly, know what channel you're on, and move to an open channel to talk to another person. Make sure that you're walkie is fully charge and that you hand it back to the person in charge of keeping htem.

BLOG QUESTION: THE DIFFERENT MICROPHONE TYPES

What are the different types of microphones mentioned in the video? How are each of them different from each other? What are the best uses for each?

There are Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon Microphones. Dynamic mics are inexpensive, they're considered "tough" mics, and the coil in the mic dynamically moves and changes acoustic energy to electronic energy. It can usually only respond to only up to 10kHz in frequency, but it doesn't need external or internal power to operate. It is usually used for voiceovers and broadcast, guitar and snare drum miking, and sound reinforcement in general. Ribbon mics operate similarly to a dynamic mic but uses a strip of aluminum foil instead of a coil of water. It moves faster to acoustic sound than dynamic mics and can respond to higher frequencies. However, they're quite fragile compared to dynamic mics. Using phantom power on a ribbon mic would destroy it. Due to this, they can be more expensive compared to dynamic mics. They're usually used to mic instruments such as cymbals, bass, piano, electric and acoustic guitars, and brass instruments. Condenser mics use 2 electrically charged plates, one that can move and one that's fixed. It responds to higher frequencies well like ribbon mics. They come in small and large diaphragm versions. A small diaphragm has a single pickup pattern, and a large has multiple. The smaller ones have a lower frequency response compared to the large ones, making the large ones favored by vocalists. Unlike the previous two, they require internal and external power. Most condenser mics use something called phantom power, which can be supplied from recording consoles and external mic pre-amps. Well-made condenser mics can be expensive, and less expensive ones usually have a poorer frequency response. The mics are also affected by humidity and temperature, unlike the previous two mics. This mic is usually used to record instruments like cymbals, drum overheads, piano, acoustic guitar, string sections, and as well as vocals.

BLOG QUESTION: WRAPPING A CABLE

Why are A/V cables wrapped over/under and power cables wrapped over/over? Why is this an important skill for a beginning filmmaker?

When wrapping a AV cable, you want to wrap it over/under (the pinch twist method) because you want to make sure that the cable doesn't tangle when you extend it and you want the cable to lay flat in order to prevent any kinking. You want to wrap power cables over/over in order to get the coils out of the wire. This is an important skill to learn because it'll save you a lot of time in the long run when setting or wrapping up, it'll prolong the life of your wires by preventing shorts, and it'll help you stay organized by preventing any tangles/coils in your wire. 

BLOG QUESTION: MONO VS. STEREO

What is the difference between stereo and mono recordings? What are 2 things that you found interesting in this article? Why?

Stereo contains both left and right channels, giving it 3-Dimensional sound. It has two channels with the same source of audio, and it allows you to record unique/different audios for both channels. Mono is "one" recording, with one mic, onto one channel. When the output puts out the same sound, even if there are two speakers (ex. headphones), it is considered mono. What u found most interesting was that the two-channel audio system was demonstrated by Clement Ader as early as 1881, but mono audio was still used up until the 1940s. Fantasia, A disney movie, was the first movie to use stereophonic sound and that is also a nice detail.

BLOG QUESTION: HOW STAR WARS REVOLUTIONIZED SOUND

What was the effect of Star Wars on the movie industry? How did it affect the audience at this time? What were the long-term historical trends that Star Wars set into motion after this?

Star Wars set new standards for visual effects, sound design, and blockbuster marketing. The Dolby Stereo sound and special effects were liked by audiences. The film’s success drove theaters to upgrade their audio systems, leading to the development of THX certification and popularity of surround sound. Star Wars paved the way for event films, movie merchandising, and advanced technology in both filmmaking and movie theaters, shaping Hollywood’s blockbuster culture.

BLOG QUESTION: DEANZA COLLEGE TOUR REFLECTION

After touring DeAnza College's film production facilities, what aspects of their program or resources stood out to you, and how could they influence your approach to your college and career future?

I thought that the facilities at DeAnza were very impressive, especially compared to SJSU. I find their quarter-system interesting as it makes the program more vigorous, and forces students to build their skills faster. I like that it's a hands-on program that teaches all aspects of production, and that they offer many materials for their students to utilize. I'm interested in learning more about what classes they offer to help people who want to do post-production editing, and if they provide classes that will teach skills such as motion graphics, etc. DeAnza is definitely a strong choice for me if I choose to do a 2-year transfer instead of going straight to a 4 year.

BLOG QUESTION: WHY IS SOUND IMPORTANT?

In your own words, write an in-depth reflection on three ways that sound is important in television and film?

Sound is important in television and film because it adds emotional depth, it can further the plot/narrative, and it can enhance the action shown on screen by making it more immersive. Things like sound effects can make the film more realistic, immersing the audience into the story. Music/scores for a film can add emotions, set the pacing, and create the tone and atmosphere.

BLOG QUESTION: THE THREAT OF TV

Why was Hollywood threatened by television? What were three key reasons it became a threat?

Hollywood was threatened by television because it drew them away from theaters and into their homes for free entertainment. 3 key reasons TV became a major threat were its convenience, since watching media from home was more accessible than going to a movie palaces, the Supreme Court’s antitrust ruling, which forced studios to separate production, distribution, and exhibition, and the government’s restrictions on studio ownership of TV stations, preventing them from controlling them. Major film stars and creative talent shifted to TV leading to the decline of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

BLOG QUESTION: THE GOLDEN AGE ENDS

What caused the end of the golden age of Hollywood? What was so significant about this change in its history?

The end of the Golden Age of Hollywood was caused by the 1948 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Paramount Pictures which prohibited major studios from owning theaters and practicing monopoly tactics like block booking. This was significant because it opened the industry to independent filmmakers, changed the way movies were distributed and exhibited, and weakened the control that a few studios had over the entire film market. Studios could no longer guarantee profits through theaters, leading to changes in the types of movies produced.

BLOG QUESTION: THE LAST SILENT FILMS

According to this article, why did Hollywood switch over to "talkies" so fast? Why was 1928 such a pivotal year for silent cinema?

Producers and exhibitors could see that the audience craved "talkies" over silent films, and that it was going to be the next big thing in Hollywood, and possibly even internationally. They recognized the potential for the invention and they knew it was going to be the next big era for the movie industry. 1928 was a pivotal year for silent cinema because it was a time where both silent and talkie films were being shown in theaters at the same time, it was the year of transition. It was also a year that marked a division in Hollywood stars (silent film actors vs. talkie actors).