The EM Poll

To Have and Have Not

Jan 22, 2007 1:57 PM

           

Provide these basics for your talent to eliminate factors that add to your editing time:

•    Padded music stands
•    A stopwatch for actors for timed copy
•    Headphones for each actor with talk-back if necessary
•    Final, approved, double-spaced 12-point copy for all, with sections or pages clearly numbered and wide margins for notes
•    Phonetic spellings of unfamiliar words or names
•    Windscreens or filters to minimize plosive consonants
•    Pencils for marking copy
•    Sturdy stools for longer sessions – no squeaky seats or chairs
•    Plenty of room temperature drinking water in the booth (better for the voice than hot or cold liquids)
•    Lemon juice (optional) to add to the drinking water to minimize lip-smacking and mouth noises
•    Chewing gum, also to minimize lip-smacking and mouth noises
•    Throat-lubricating spray (available at music stores)
•    Healthy, energizing snacks
•    Patience and a sense of humor
•    Minimal caffeine and dairy beverages; tea dries out the voice, caffeine contributes to frenetic-sounding readings, and dairy products fosters the production of phlegm
•    Give breaks as needed, especially if your studio tends to get warm.