Syncing / Sync (Lingo)
Definition
Syncing is the process of aligning the production video (captured by the camera) with the production audio (captured separately by the sound mixer) so they play back together perfectly in the editing software. Because high-end productions record audio separately from video for higher quality, the Assistant Editor must manually or automatically sync the files using timecode or the visual and auditory cue of the clapperboard (slate).
Contextual Usage
The Assistant Editor updates the Picture Editor: "I'm still syncing the dailies from yesterday's shoot. The camera and sound timecode didn't match on the B-camera for the afternoon setups, so I'm having to manually sync those clips using the slate claps. They should be ready for you in about an hour."
About this section
The editorial department is where the raw footage is transformed into a finished story. The editor is often described as the "invisible storyteller" — their work, when done well, is completely transpa...
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