Clapper Loader
Definition
The Clapper Loader (also known as the Second Camera Assistant or 2nd AC) is responsible for operating the clapperboard (slate) at the beginning of each take, loading film magazines or managing media cards, and keeping detailed camera reports. The act of "clapping" the slate creates a sharp visual and audio spike that is used in post-production to synchronize the picture and sound, which are often recorded on separate devices.
Contextual Usage
After a take in which the slate was not clapped properly, the sound mixer calls out, "MOS sync! We didn't get a clean clap on that one. Can we get a tail slate?" The clapper loader then holds the slate upside down at the end of the take to indicate it is a tail slate.
About this section
Production — or "principal photography" — is the phase in which the film or video is actually shot. It is the most visible and, typically, the most expensive phase of the entire process. Every day on ...
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