Camera test and sound preperation

Camera testing:

Shooting tests with your camera may seem like a hassle and an unnecessary waste of time and money but it is neglible when you compare it to the cost of a reshoot (if a reshoot is possible.) Most camera rental houses post disclaimers which protect them from liabilty. It is always smart to check your camera at the rental house before your shoot.
Scratching
Load a dummy roll of undeveloped film into your camera and run it through. Inspect the roll with a magnifying glass for any scratches on the films surface.

Registration
Shoot 100ft of a grid of white lines against a black background, being careful not to move the camera or background during filming. Rewind your film and slightly offset the lined background and expose the film again. Develop the film and then project it. If there is a problem with the registration, then the white lines will shift against each other.

Sound preparation

Achieving Good Sound
One person sound crew
Very limited in capability. Video is physically tied to camera with cables (or audio to camcorder), so no freedom to move as needed. Mixer is sometimes expected to run video as well as record sound, so attention is divided. Types of sound from one person is limited to:

non-distinct background ambience; or
talking head with lavalier (close-up perspective on immobile interviewees).
Two person sound crew
More versatile and professional. More can be done. Better morale. Impressive to client. Theatrical quality soundtracks. Mixer can operate video and mix sound from near camera; Boom can move to strategic position closer to talent. Two person approach is necessary for dramatic sequences or complex staging.

Sound from aimed overhead mic is higher quality and more natural from boom records than from lavaliers. When on lavaliers, sound footsteps, doors, objects, props, etc. to add texture to track, saves on post-production, especially low-budget video.

Karina