Assess and report on studios and locations for sound acquisition

This Standard is about assessing and reporting on studios and locations in relation to sound requirements.  This includes assessing transport and access requirements for rigging and de-rigging of equipment, checking technical facilities and that sound acquired will meet the quality requirements of productions.

It involves planning and timing site visits, assessing features of studios or locations which will impact on sound acquisition, collecting sound samples and images and presenting your findings to key decision makers.

This Standard may apply to anyone who is involved in assessing studios and locations for sound acquisition.​

​

1. carry out site visits at times that comply with shooting schedules and prevailing environmental and working conditions 
2. carry out site visits with relevant people from other departments so that requirements can be cross-referenced when appropriate
3. carry out assessments of features of studios and locations, and the sequence in which they will be used, which will have an impact on sound acquisition and planning
4. use reliable information to assess studios and locations against sound production requirements
5. confirm that  health and safety policies that relate to sound in studios and locations can be complied with
6. work out realistic solutions when difficulties are identified in relation to transportation, access for, and rigging and de-rigging of sound equipment
7. develop realistic contingencies to combat potential problems with sound acquisition in studios and locations
8. keep notes, sound samples, and images from site visits in formats that will facilitate their future use
9. communicate the impact on the production chain to relevant decision makers when locations are unsuitable for required sound quality
10. present site assessments, proposals and decisions to decision makers and colleagues in terms that can be understood by non-technical people

1. ​the technical, artistic and production requirements
2. where to obtain information about studios or locations
3. the criteria and methods for evaluating studios or locations in relation to sound
4. how to identify the advantages and disadvantages of studios and locations in relation to sound
5. how to find out about any special permissions or authorities you need to visit studios or locations
6. any prevailing environmental and working conditions
7. the importance of audibility of dialogue especially with regards to the impaired hearing of an ageing population
8. types and availability of sound equipment, including support equipment and its requirements for transportation, access, rigging and de-rigging
9. costs, timing, scheduling and power requirements for the production
10. how to estimate the need for contingencies
11. the implications of health and safety requirements on studios and locations in relation to sound
12. how to accurately note the information gathered
13. who you should liaise with and how liaison with other departments can achieve optimum conditions for sound and reduce the impact of your work on others
14. who the decision makers are, and what approaches are likely to prove most persuasive with them
15. how to communicate clearly and persuasively ​