Why haven't clapperboards become obsolete? [duplicate]

Clapperboard (or slate) is used in movie primarily for two purposes:

To assist in synchronizing picture and sound (with the help of a clap). It makes the editor's life easy.
Cataloging of the recordings i.e. designate and mark particular scenes and takes recorded during a production.

I understand it is a crucial and an essential tool which is still used in the film-making process. It has evolved from traditional wooden slate to the modern digital version.

Why hasn't anything better replaced the slate? By better I mean a tool or a technique (an automated one perhaps) which works by itself without an assistance of a human? Something which can fullfil the same purpose of the slate (Cataloging and synchronization while editing).

Or are we just using it for its legacy?

Best Answer

Why hasn't anything better replaced the slate? By better I mean a tool or a technique (an automated one perhaps) which works by itself without an assistance of a human? Something which can fullfil the same purpose of the slate (Cataloging and synchronization while editing).

Because it's almost perfect.

Movies aren't filmed in order so a human has to do something to indicate what is being filmed.

Multiple takes might be required none of which, other than the first can be anticipated. Shots might be comprised of multiple takes.

This information has to be logged somewhere on screen so the editor can sync everything up, not just for sound but shot matching as well.

The information need to be changable at a moments notice as they move from one scene/shot/take to another. Oh, and the mechanism has to be portable as well.

If something better had been invented it would be being used. That's not to say it won't but until then, it's perfect.

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Are Clapperboards still used?

Wikipedia says a clapperboard is the \u201cdevice used in filmmaking and video production to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound.\u201d Which is pretty open-ended, as there are actually plenty of ways filmmakers could assist themselves in synchronizing picture and sound.

Why do they use Clapperboards?

A clapperboard (also known by various other names including dumb slate) is a device used in filmmaking and video production to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. It is operated by the clapper loader.

Are clapboards necessary?

So do I need to use a clapperboard? It is best practice to use one on every shoot, but it is up to you. If you're shooting with on-camera mics you may feel less of a need for one. When using an external editor or recording separate audio, it is highly advisable.

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