Part One: Functions of the slate

Slating Basics

Part One: Functions of the slate

Slating, as it refers to the film industry, is a practice that dates back to the earliest days

of cinema. It’s a simple and effective way of communicating many different pieces of

information simultaneously in an attempt to inform and contribute to the efficiency of

post-production. A “typical” set will require cohesion from three separate departments

(sound, camera, and script supervising) to deliver a clear and concise message to the

post-production team. Slating, as with most things within this industry, is often filled

with nuance and is always subject to change. It’s one of the many responsibilities of a

2nd AC and the following is an overview explaining why it’s used on film sets across

the world.

Slating has two primary functions: to organize and convey information to post-

production, and to assist post in the synchronization of the footage and sound as they

are captured on separate devices independent from each other. In the times before

digital timecode and internal scratch audio on cameras, slating was the only way to

easily synchronize the footage and audio. Clapping the two wooden pieces on the top

of the slate provided a visual and auditory reference for a very specific moment in time.

Lining up that moment during the editing process allowed you to sync the rest of the

clip perfectly. Nowadays that function of the slate is more of a failsafe as timecode and

waveform analysis are much more efficient. However, for the time being, the function of

identifying scenes, takes, and other pertinent information remains a valuable part of the

filmmaking process.

It’s a century-old tradition that will live on for many years to come. Looking back at

some of the iconic photos hanging on the walls of Panavison there is some sense of

connection to history as you see ACs from years past slate in hand contributing to

some of the most iconic movies ever made.

- Luke Peckham, Local 600 2nd AC