Related to LO1

This video talks more about the different positions of holding a boom.

Notes from video:

Its not okay to pass the job of a boom op to anyone, its not just a case of just pointing a microphone at the general direction  of someone that is speaking. 

Traditional boom position- The pros: up nice and high with little chance of getting in the frame. It can be moved very quickly. plenty or reach and easily pivot. The cons: not going to be able to hold it up for very long as it can get heavy.

Shoulder position- The Pros: similar advantages. The cons: sacrificing height, which is a disadvantage for someone who’s a little shorter. If you don’t need to move an apple box is a good idea. Sacrifices mobility, you have to move whole body instead of just arms. More for stationary subjects as it will be hard to follow movement. Another issue is clothing noises when moving. Use a gentle touch.

Down low- The Pros: Easy and comfortable to hold. The cons: The microphone is being pointed towards the sky/ceiling. This will pick up buzzing lights, and plane sin the sky. This position also limits the actors movement as its easy to trip over the boom.

Pelvic position- The Pros: can hold for a very long time, this is more of a balancing position rather than a holding position and can be done one handed which is useful if you need to make notes or adjustments on the mixer. The cons: you need to stay on axis with the camera man and you are very restrictive of movement. This is usually for times where you are stood still for a while e.g. documentaries.

Pistol grip-  lower profile, good for tight spaces, going through crowds, shooting in cars etc. Doesn’t draw attention, more for on street recording.

Keep boom pole on axis- microphone is a lazer beam pointing at the subjects mouth as close as possible without being out on shot.

Try and anticipate movement of subject by reading their body language. Back off boom if you anticipate hard volume levels, if its a soft level, then move in a little tighter.