Lessons
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1. Preproduction v
vp1-0. Opening
vp1-1. Five skills
vp1-2. Writing
vp1-3. Keeping track
vp1-4. First impression
vp1-5. Successful scouting
vp1-6. Words of wisdom
vp1-7. Conclusion

2. Production
vp2-0. Opening
vp2-1. Five production skills
vp2-2. Pep talk
vp2-3. Lighting
vp2-4. Camera
vp2-5. Sound
vp2-6. Words of wisdom
vp2-7. Closing

3. Postproduction
vp3-0. Opening
vp3-1. Five skills
vp3-2. Editing
vp3-3. Grading and graphics
vp3-4. Sound
vp3-5. Speaking
vp3-6. Words of wisdom

4. Equipment
4-0. Opening
4-1. Camera
4-2. Tripod
4-3. Sound
4-4. Lighting
4-5. Editing
4-6. Packing
4-7. Closing

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Lesson

vp2-5. Sound

Introduction
Sound is often a problem, even for professionals. That's because there are many variables and things outside your control. Here are some techniques to minimize various problems.

What you will learn
You'll learn that recording different sounds is just as important as recording various shots. 

We cover: setting sound priorities, creating additional sound, testing a microphone, and learning the effects of a little-known sound called 'room tone.'

Sound Priorities
The number one irreplaceable sound is a clear recording of an interview subject. Everything else can be replaced with sound effects available online or create yourself. We'll cover more on this in postproduction.

Every Action Has A Sound
Every action has a sound. That sound enhances the viewer's experience. Record a sound for each action. Or later, create an appropriate sound and add it to the scene.

A door closes, a climb up stairs, opening a soda can. Everything has a sound. Of course, you can always cover the missing sound with music. You wouldn't be the first.

Test Your Microphone
Your microphone is your source of recording sound. So it should be just as evident that you should know its best sound range.

Here's a quick and easy way to test any microphone, including one built into the smartphone or camera.

This is the good 10 feet from the microphone.
This is five feet from the microphone.
I'm now two feet from the microphone.

So we learned that up close, we can use this microphone to narrate. But the further away we go, the more ambient sound well here is. In general, get the microphone as close to the sound as possible.

Bathroom Break
I thought you might get a kick from hearing what a natural room tone echo is like. This is a standard bathroom with all the towels removed. So there's nothing but rigid walls to bounce all the sound waves.

Conclusion
Capturing sound is just as crucial as capturing images. But sound has a lot more things that can go wrong. 

Approach every shot with a plan that includes how you will be recording sound, including those which will not have a video image.

Practice

vp2-5p. Sound

Test your microphone—record audio two feet from your camera or phone, then four feet, and eight feet. 

If you have a lavaliere, test that at six inches from your mouth, two feet away, and four feet away. The lavaliere test is best done outside where you have other noises. 

Note how each sound is different. Now you will know which distance works best for your camera/phone microphone and the "sweet" spot for placing your lavaliere. 

Make this practice recording 1:00-2:00 so you only need to test the sound for 5-10 seconds each time.
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