Follow the diagram below when creating leaders for both your picture and sound rolls. Make sure that each sound roll has a 2-pop/sync beep, and make sure each picture roll has an academy leader!
Since Emerson College Film Post does not provide academy leaders for tail syncing, simply splice 5 feet of leader to the tail of your film and label it either "picture tail" or "sound tail".
If you cannot hear your 2-pop/sync beep, try the following:
- check the audio levels on the Steenbeck table -- found to the left, parallel with the power controls!
- make sure the magnetic strip is horizontal on the top of your mag, away from the sprocket holes on the matte side
All rolls should be heads out (film hanging on the right with the sprocket holes facing you) and be labeled with your name, your professor's name, and your course number on both the head and tail. If this is not the case, you will be asked to add them before your screening starts, possibly causing delays in the program.
Correct leaders are crucial when it comes to playing back your film in sync. If we have no sync marks or edit syncs, we have no indicators as to where to sync your film and will be unable to screen it. Likewise, if there is not enough leader before your sync mark, we will not be able to thread the projector and/or mag dubber and you will be asked to attach more, possibly delaying the screening.
If you have any questions or want a second opinion on if your film is ready or not, consult with the projectionist, film post manager, or a lab assistant in Ansin 606. Remember to stop by the projection booth after the screening and take your film with you when you leave!
Diagram courtesy of Kathryn Ramey, M.F.A., Ph. D, assoc. chair of visual and media arts at Emerson College