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October 22, 2022 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Cinematic Arts Film Studio in RAC 232.
Film & Video

Take 2: Location Sound Recording

Partnership with Duke Arts Create & Cinematic Arts

Taught by Aaron Bittikofer

The Cinematic Arts Filmcraft Workshop Series

Duke Cinematic Arts Icon

The Cinematic Arts Filmcraft Workshop Series gives students the opportunity to learn hard skills and advance their ability in practical areas of filmmaking, such as cinematography, editing, post-production, and sound. The workshops run for six weeks, starting the Friday that drop/add ends, September 9th. Each workshop is offered twice, on Friday afternoon and the following Saturday morning. No experience or registration is required.

Camera Systems and Camera Operation

This workshop is a guided tour through the bewildering variety of tools and the unintuitive best practices of location sound recording for film.

Compromised sound is a fatal flaw for a film, and one which dogs many filmmakers long after other skills have been mastered.  This workshop directly addresses the difficulty and importance of sound recording.  Students will receive a crash course in current sound recording practice, including the important features and settings of high-end sound equipment, and equally importantly, the applications of wig tape, lamb’s wool, and other staples.

This workshop will over the following elements and techniques:

  • The technology of sound recorders and microphones
  • Hearing and monitoring good and bad sound
  • Boom microphones and their operation
  • Body mic technique
  • Workflow and collaboration

About the Instructor

Aaron M. Bittikofer is a professional audio recordist, audio engineer, and musician.   As a production audio recordist he has worked on numerous short and long-format films, and countless commercials over the past ten years.  He has studied upright and electric bass with Carol Kaye and Medeski, Martin and Wood, has recorded numerous albums, and has logged many miles of touring experience with music groups such as Hipbone, Ecco La Musica, and Sidecar Social Club.  He is obsessed with audio, be it production recording, music or sound design.

About the Location

This workshop will take place in the Cinematic Arts Studio in the Rubenstein Arts Center, 232.Bus stop and Ruby building map

About Duke Arts Create

Duke Arts Create is a series of free, hands-on arts workshops designed to help all Duke students, including graduate and professional students (including Duke Health), as well as Duke faculty and staff develop a variety of creative skills in the visual arts, dance and movement, creative writing and more. Workshops are open to all skill levels and backgrounds. Most workshops are held in the Duke Arts Annex, the Rubenstein Arts Center or the Duke Arts Office 2101 and are typically held weeknights from 6-8 p.m.

Registration for the following week’s workshops go live on Friday mornings at 9 a.m. – sign up in advance to guarantee your spot. Didn’t get a spot? No problem! We always reserve space for walk-ins. Email DukeCreate@duke.edu if you have any questions. Sign up for the monthly newsletter here, which includes the full list of classes offered during the following month.

Duke Arts Create is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts (Duke Arts).