Clapperboard

[Fromourankles]

what could i use other than a clapboard?
and other then just clapping my hands

[daydreamer1]

I have been looking for clapboards.You can probably get one on ebay.

[WesScog]

I just used two pieces of wood to make mine.

[Fromourankles]

oh yeah haha

didn't think of something like that

[KenOchalek]

Just out of curiosity, what are you guys using a clap-board for?

[WesScog]

He's recording a separate audio track with a digital audio recorder because his camera doesn't have a external mic input.

[KenOchalek]

Ahh, gotcha. I asked because I've seen young filmmakers in the past get excited about using clap-boards when they have no practical reason for using one (except that it what you see people do in movies about movies).

But yeah, just clapping your hands should be sufficient to sync audio to visual. Maybe giving a verbal marker along with a clap could help if you're shooting a lot of stuff - you know "Scene 5, Take 3 *CLAP*" - just to help you stay organized when you're scanning through your audio recording.

[WesScog]

Yea, I like a Clapboard, because I like using it to keep my scenes in order.

[Fromourankles]

i remember last year they had clap boards at a halloween store around me

i'll have to look at some this year if they have any

[edwardlavender]

you can literally use anything that makes a sound when clapped together.

when some movie shoots (i don't know if a lot of them do it but I know that when i was taught on how to use a slate) shoot wide shots, they use two big 2x4s and clap them together.

-zac

[jared]

the best way to make sure that everything is set up for the editors is to have the dp frame in and roll camera to speed, then the dp calls out "rolling/turning/camera rolls! slate in!", (audio starts recording at this moment and calls out "speed!" when the audio gear is at level run) and then calls out to the ac "slate in!", at which point the ac jumps the slate into the field of view of the camera and the dp zooms in or refocuses on the slate or dictates to the ac whether or not the ac needs to move the slate or tilt it against glare and once the slate is focused the dp calls out "mark it!", and the ac yells out the scene and take numbers so the sound equipment can pick it up and then claps and leaves the frame and the dp then gets back on the initial frame that action occurs from and calls out "frame!", at which point the ad calls action.
well, i know that's a whole lot, but if you're shooting and editing and syncing audio all by your lonesome...this kind of structure should at least be in the back of your mind when you shoot.
oh, and remember to make notes of the best takes.

[bferrell]

I got one of these, and it was OK
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/21611.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.buycostumes.com/Category/227/Product/21611/ProductDetail.aspx&h=1600&w=1600&sz=517&tbnid=uRSetXX0pPr1rM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dclapboard%26um%3D1&start=3&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=3

These are sweet, but spendy...
http://www.studio1productions.com/clapboards.htm

[ryannn!!!]

i found one you could use its about £5 not including p&p

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/hollywood-clapper-board/index.html

[baron von fogel]

Two pieces of wood and a hinge will make a great makeshift clapboard. For marking the beginnings of takes, a small dry-erase board would work really well. Don't be ashamed to have your actors clap though - there's nothing wrong with that approach, plus it gives you one less piece of equipment to take to set.

[SyxxGage]

Clap boards are suprisingly expensive from what Ive seen. Althougth I no longer have it, I made my previous one. I use two pieces of wood and a small cabinet hinge. I painted the top inthe standard black/white stripe pattern. I then used a cheap dry erase board and hot glued it to the base. Using permanent marker, I made markings for production name, scene, take, etc. I think all in all it caost me less than 15 bucks.

[New Spark Films]

I got one at a toy store (yes a long time ago) for like $1. I haven't used it yet.

[nooneimportant77]

yeah when i was really little i got one for like two or three dollars to play with i dont use them now.... i want one of the really legit ones with the TCG built right in! there like three grand hmmm

[punkandska66]

dude, i just checked ebay for them, and it seems to me that u could get a NEW clapboard off ebay for cheaper than DIY. and it neater. the most expensive was like 3 dollars.

[SyxxGage]

dude, i just checked ebay for them, and it seems to me that u could get a NEW clapboard off ebay for cheaper than DIY. and it neater. the most expensive was like 3 dollars.


Do you have a link for this. Last time I looked, I couldnt find any for under $50 unless it was a toy.

[nooneimportant77]

here's a pretty darn good one for 40

http://cgi.ebay.com/Clap-Clapper-Clapperboard-Board-TV-Film-Movie-Slate-NEW_W0QQitemZ290166545383QQihZ019QQcategoryZ23780Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

for anoter 20 bucks you get color bars!
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-pro-movie-slate-clapboard-film-slate-clap-sticks_W0QQitemZ230176984781QQihZ013QQcategoryZ628 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[punkandska66]

Do you have a link for this. Last time I looked, I couldnt find any for under $50 unless it was a toy.

o, maybe i didnt look too precisely then, if thats the case. OKAY FOLKS! JUST PRETEND I NEVER SAID ANYTHING!

[New Spark Films]

yeah when i was really little there like three grand hmmm

That's ridiculous.

[ECWNET]

Clapping my hands just doesn't do it for me anymore. I'm guessing it would be very simple to do, but I don't feel like thinking. Plans to make a budget clapboard please :D

[WesScog]

Get two piece of wood, put a door hinge on one end connecting them together, paint the top piece with alternating strips of black and white, and also red, green, blue, and yellow (for color adjustment), make sure it's pure colors of each.

On the bottom one, paint it solid black, and using white paint, put 'Name' (for the movie name) 'Scene' 'Take' 'Date' and 'Director'.

[ECWNET]

thanks. actually, do you know of any material that could be found at a hardware store that would act as a dry erase board? seems to be easier than chalk.

[WesScog]

You could get one of those miniture dry erase boards from a hobby store or Wal-Mart, and just add the hinge and the wood piece on top.

[sam/gone/mad]

YEAH THAT IS NICE

[WesScog]

Although, I just remembered, generally, the white paint and chalk is used so all of the information is visible even in low-light situations, and it shows up better than black on white.

[BeyondForeverFilmss]

Go to Ebay.
I Bought one for $5...

Chalk Board Style so you can Write the Scene/take/film name/ect.

[Mr.Jowee]

Krylon makes chalk board paint in green and black. Supposedly you can turn any flat surface in a chalk board, but I've never used it.

[BeyondForeverFilmss]

yah i have some of that stuff, it works good.

[ECWNET]

Yeah, I'm seeing a bunch of chalkboard style ones, which I guess I'll settle for. Only reason I originally went for a dry erase one is because I wanted it to be quick clean and low maintenance. Didn't think of the visibility factor. Thanks dude.

[BeyondForeverFilmss]

No prob, no off to arguing in the other thread =)

[ECWNET]

Mhm. Also meant to say thanks dudes :-)

[PlasmaP]

Get two piece of wood, put a door hinge on one end connecting them together, paint the top piece with alternating strips of black and white, and also red, green, blue, and yellow (for color adjustment), make sure it's pure colors of each.

On the bottom one, paint it solid black, and using white paint, put 'Name' (for the movie name) 'Scene' 'Take' 'Date' and 'Director'.

Wow WesScog, you teach me something everyday! I didn't realize that was what the clapboard was for, I just thought it was to look cool *ashamed of my ignorance*

[BeyondForeverFilmss]

lol.

It has more purposes then one might think.

Syncing Sound in post.

And it tells the Editers What Production/director/camera its on, scene/take/date

So they dont have to keep watching the scenes, they just go to the next clipboard shot and read what it is.

[WesScog]

Wow WesScog, you teach me something everyday! I didn't realize that was what the clapboard was for, I just thought it was to look cool *ashamed of my ignorance*

Nah, it helps keeps scenes in order, which take of the scene it is, helps them color correct the entire scene, and lets them sync the sound in post if you recorder your sound on an external recorder.

[jared]

not to mention the fact that it makes your shoot look more professional to anyone that sees you out there.

[ECWNET]

yeah, lol forget it. im too lazy. just getting one off of amazon. thanks for the help though guys!

[Zombeast]

http://www.ustoy.com/cgi-bin/ustoy_cgi.sh/WService=ustoy/ustoy.com/novelty/product.htm?stateInfo=?&dept_id=158&pf_id=MU164&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=Updated20080104&utm_term=CV

[SyxxGage]

Clapping my hands just doesn't do it for me anymore. I'm guessing it would be very simple to do, but I don't feel like thinking. Plans to make a budget clapboard please :D

I always prefer having a clapboard as well, just because. But the claping always helps in a pinch.

[Citrus]

I think I can actually help someone for once! I've been thinking of how to make a clapboard for this mockumentary I want to make and I think I know how to make one! I'm sorry this isn't very detailed. Also I don't know how sturdy it is for multiple claps.

1. Get a Dry-Erase Board and screw a hinge to the top.
2. Next get a piece of wood that is equal in length and about the same thickness as the dry-erase board and paint it white.
3. (optional)Then you can either paint the black stripes or wrap some electrical tape around it.
4. Attach the piece of wood to the hinge and make sure it moves fine and everything.
5. (optional goes with #3) Then take a black PERMANENT marker and draw the stripes to match up with the stripes on the piece of wood.
6. For the "Director" "Producer" "Scene" boxes on the board just draw them on with PERMANENT marker. Use a DRY-ERASE marker to fill in the boxes.
7. If the clap isn't loud enough add plastic to the side of the wood that hits the dry-erase board.

Hope that helps someone.

[Scott]

not to mention the fact that it makes your shoot look more professional to anyone that sees you out there.

Yeah, because that is what is really important.

[Flamingo With A Spoon Productions]

Who needs a camera when you have a clapboard?! :thumbsup: Order today!

[Honeychook]

I think it would be cool if you made a good clapboard to keep track of takes. I had to use lego and paper but it was not good.:(
Please show me haw to make a clapboard. :)

[Jier]

http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/frame-set3.htm?http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/cgi-bin/VirtualCatalog3/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-4435&SearchFor=cboards+clapboard+2400+2390+3334+3628+53 47+5408+5418+5862&template=Htx/clapboards.htx&hdr=Hollywood+Mega+Store+Product+Listing:+Director +Clapboards&s=gaw&kw=clapboard&gclid=CKfMjLqj85ECFQLBPAoddlLfxQ

I was looking for a how to on google, but found that instead. Maybe more interesting for you.

[Honeychook]

Thanks but i live in austraila

[Joe.lipinski]

depending upon how nice you want it to look and how realistic you want it to look you could make this for as cheap as $5.00. If you want to make a cheap clapboard without the clapper then just get a dry erase board from either like a dollar store (don't know the equivalent) or you could find one at a department store or craft store, then just get letters with a stick backing which you could also find at a craft store or department store and then put whatever letters you want. If you want to build an actual clapboard then just visit your local hardware store and look for the right parts... shouldn't be too hard.

[blender81]

If you really strapped for cash you could use a small chalk board and clap it with a ruler. If you have a minute it would be good to ebay for a nice board. Even what you're doing works - remember the clap and the information (take, scene, location, etc.) on the board is to help in post production for the sound team to synch sound with video and for the video edit team to know which takes they are going to use - as long as you can hear the clap and see info you're all set.

[drweir]

I built one a few years back. Wasn't all that hard. All the suggestions so far work fine.

[norcal-punk]

My suggestion: thin tape, any wood sheet(s) and whiteboard if ur looking to make something like that from the Hollywood MegaStore. I don't know if it's cheaper than the Hollywood MegaStore one, but that's pretty much the same concept. Any hardware store should sell the hinges and wood. As far as dry erase, I know not of sources.

[KMProductions]

http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/frame-set3.htm?http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/cgi-bin/VirtualCatalog3/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-4435&SearchFor=cboards+clapboard+2400+2390+3334+3628+53 47+5408+5418+5862&template=Htx/clapboards.htx&hdr=Hollywood+Mega+Store+Product+Listing:+Director +Clapboards&s=gaw&kw=clapboard&gclid=CKfMjLqj85ECFQLBPAoddlLfxQ

I was looking for a how to on google, but found that instead. Maybe more interesting for you.


haha I have the second one down.:D

[Honeychook]

Thanks guys.

[Roel]

hold up a piece of paper and clap your hands works to.

but you only need a clapboard if you record the sound on a seperate medium, if you hook your mike to your cam its not nessasery because you dont need to sync your sound then

[Dasleah]

Buy a tester pot of blackboard paint and a cheap sheet of ply or something. But you don't really need one unless you're trying to impress the investors or, like previously mentioned, record sound seperately.
Although it could be useful if your timecode is all over the place. But proper labeling of the tapes and record-keeping during shoots should take care of that.

[BinBinProductions]

when i was on vacation in disney world, and when i was in mgm studios and thye had clap board props so i bought one i thought i would be cool.

[Hunterr]

That would be cool if BFX did a production slate...like the black and white ones.

I know its a small build, but they could make like 2 builds in one episode....the slate, and another cheap, small build.

-Hunter

[nooneimportant77]

they're pretty cheap to buy, here's like an 11 dollar one, no clapper though. but you can clap your hands.

http://www.filmtools.com/sb-is.html

[Skycarl]

I got one for 12 bucks with the clapper. The covering is paper so you can either
hook some pinch spring clamps to attach paper to record what shoot it is or you
can get slate paint so you can write on it with chalk. It costs as much to build unless
you got the scraps around.

[ciwi286]

some wood, a hinge and some chalkboard paint. It doesnt take too much thinking to figure out how to make a "hollywood" style one.

If you need it for actual functionality you can just use paper and clap with your hands.

[Nonsensical studios]

I prefer a white board (helps white balance too :D) and clap my hands.

[lostbutnotfoundstudios]

It would be easy to make it yourself. actually, I might make my own now, and if I do, I'll post how to make one.

But really, it is as simple as getting a small wooden whiteboard, and a piece of wood to act as a clapper, connecting the two using a hinge of sorts.

[Hunterr]

Well I wouldn't be using one for functionality, unless my actor was far away and there was talking, or what not.

But I wanted it as a prop for let's say a spoof on making a movie?


Like I said, since it would be a small build...indy mogul could combine it with something else

[Skycarl]

Well Hunterr,, nice thing about having a clapboard, if you need to sync an audio track
that clap spike jumps out when you are editing. Besides a prop, they are real handy to
have.

[WesScog]

http://www.indymogul.com/post/7893/wesleys-weekly-how-to-clapperboard

I did a clapperboard, today for under 10 dollars, hope this helps.

[elscottomagnifico]

Nice job.

For a couple bucks more, you could also try using blackboard/chalkboard paint instead of regular spray paint - it'll work with chalk easier and can be used on just about anything flat and smooth to make it a chalk board of sorts (fun stuff)

[darao80]

i got a "whiteboard" clapperboard with marker on eBay for $10 works well nothing has broke.. yet

[darao80]

and for wes's clapperboard, you could make some sheets of paper on the computer with the info on it and then stick it on the clapperboard to make it look more professional

[WesScog]

Yes, you could do that, but printer paper bleeds when you glue it to something, and it's going to require you doing touch up work regardless.

[Shade2193]

http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/frame-set3.htm?http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/cgi-bin/VirtualCatalog3/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-4435&SearchFor=cboards+clapboard+2400+2390+3334+3628+53 47+5408+5418+5862&template=Htx/clapboards.htx&hdr=Hollywood+Mega+Store+Product+Listing:+Director +Clapboards&s=gaw&kw=clapboard&gclid=CKfMjLqj85ECFQLBPAoddlLfxQ

[WesScog]

I know you can purchase them, but the cheapest one there is 7 dollars, WITHOUT the shipping costs added.

I used in all about 4 dollars worth of materials in total, even though it was more like a 10 dollar investment overall, I only used PART of all of the supplies, so I didn't use the full 10 dollars worth of supplies, I didn't even use half of them.

Clapperboards aren't some terrible secret that they keep hidden from filmmakers and won't let them have (even though professional digital models can cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars.), I just wanted to provide an alternative to filmmakers that might not have the time, nor the money, to go and order one off the internet.

[Shade2193]

I know you can purchase them, but the cheapest one there is 7 dollars, WITHOUT the shipping costs added.

I used in all about 4 dollars worth of materials in total, even though it was more like a 10 dollar investment overall, I only used PART of all of the supplies, so I didn't use the full 10 dollars worth of supplies, I didn't even use half of them.

Clapperboards aren't some terrible secret that they keep hidden from filmmakers and won't let them have (even though professional digital models can cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars.), I just wanted to provide an alternative to filmmakers that might not have the time, nor the money, to go and order one off the internet.

Wescog, you're like like a chef at a 5 star restaurant. Useful, smart, creative, beneficial, and always make the costumer hungry for more!

[cdude101]

Just use your hands or Wes' tutorial on how to build your own.