Posted by Bob Ford on 06/07/06 00:59

On Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:37:29 -0500, jakdedert
<jakdedert@bellsouth.net> wrote:

>Richard Crowley wrote:
>> "John" wrote ...
><snip>
>>> In that case, if you tape all the switches, they will use other means to
>>> disable the mic, like unplug the mic. As long as they re-enable the mic
>>> when on-air, they could be allowed to use the mute switch, right?
>>
>> I have *NEVER* known talent to "remember" to re-enable the
>> mic when it was needed. My experience ranges from illegal aliens
>> who don't speak English to the CEOs of Fortune 100 companies
>> and University presidents.
>>
>Boy Howdy! I second, third and fourth that experience. Almost *every*
>time I've forgone that simple procedure, I've regretted it. Even if it
>was just every other time, it would be too many.
>
>Batteries are much cheaper than a missed cue or a damaged reputation.
>Use good ones, and change often. The used ones are good for your
>maglite or other noncritical application. (Sometimes I come home with
>pockets full.)
>
> > When I put a mic on someone, I monitor the AF and RF (visually)
> > and if either of them fail (before airtime) I know I have enough time
> > to fix the problem. If they wait until the last minute to switch-on, I'm
> > frequently screwed. If they don't trust me to not "snoop" on them
> > when they aren't "on", then they can hire someone they trust better.
> > I frequently run a one-man band (or I'm using unskilled helpers) and
> > I don't have the luxury of having someone I can depend on to tend
> > the wireless mics as the talent gets ready to speak.
> >
>Well I 'have' picked up some pretty interesting sounds (toilets
>flushing, conversations etc); but I'm a professional. I don't disclose....

I had an interesting experience with one of the first couples I taped
an instructional dance video with. We were doing this as a joint
project, I contributed the production talent and they the dance
instruction talents. We were to both sell the tape - they bought their
copies from me at a very cheap price and I paid them a royalty on
everyone I sold through my marketing. During one our breaks the couple
went outside for a break, leaving the mics on. Their conversation went
something like, "Well I know Bob is a nice guy but do you think he
will really give us a fair accounting on what he sells".

I informed them when they came back in that the best way to keep from
getting screwed was to NOT enter into joint ventures with people they
don't basically trust to begin with. It was fun to watch the back
peddling once they figured out I had heard their conversation.

Couple of red faces to say the least :-^)
>
>Actually, I usually warn them that whatever they say can be monitored,
>and not just by me.
>
>jak
Bob Ford
Images In Motion
www.imagesinmotion.com

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