Clapperboard

Clapper Board
It is called a Clapperboard but it is not usually the director who claps it and it is not used when they say “Cut”.
That was the quick answer.
If you are interested to learn more, continue reading.
What is the point of a clapperboard?
  1. The clapper or clapper stick is used to create a sharp sound that will later be used by an editor to sync up video footage and separate audio.
  2. The slate section (see image) is used to display production information. This information is then used to organise and maintain footage, it shows the editor where in the script footage is located which improves workflow.
Although you can record sound in-camera most films are not shot this way. They have dedicated independent sound recorders. It is for this reason that having a reference for syncing sound the video is important.
Who uses a clapper on set? (It is not the director)
Usually the 2nd AC (assistant camera) who is also known as the “clapper/loader.”
Above is a Clapperboard, this one does not feature a digital timecode but has all of the slate information you would find on a typical model.
What do you write on a clapperboard?
You will find information about the entire production such as;
  1. Name of the film
  2. Director
  3. Cinematographer
  4. Producer
As well as shot specific information, which includes;
  1. Date
  2. Roll
  3. Scene
  4. Take
  5. MOS,Day,Night,Int,Ext
You simple fill in the details as instructed. (Check details with the producer.)
Note-MOS indicates that the scene will be recorded without sound. To show this, circle MOS and put your hand between the clap sticks, then do not clap.
What is timecoding?
You may have seen some clapperboards with red digital timers on them. These are timecodes. The clapperboard is synced to the audio recorder via a cable or a timecode generator. When the clapper is shut it holds the display for around 4 frames which the camera will capture. This gives an precise time to help the editor get a perfect sync.
Clapperboards have been around for almost 100 years and the design has changed little. (other than the addition of digital timecodes)
However it is now possible to get Production Slates that connect to your iPad or Tablet and you can use an App to work as a timecode for you.
TLDR:
  • They are called Clapperboards.
  • The 2nd AC (assistant camera) is responsible for it.
  • It is used before a shot, when “ACTION” is called. (or after which is called an end-slate if it was not possible to clap before)
  • They create a sound to help sync audio with video footage.
  • The information written on one helps maintain, catalogue, and archive footage.

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