The clapperboard, often just called the clapper or slate, is a tool used in filmmaking and video production to mark the beginning of a take and to synchronize audio and video during editing. It's one of the most iconic pieces of film equipment and has been used for decades.
🔍 What It Looks Like
A typical clapperboard is a rectangular board with a hinged top section that makes a clapping sound when snapped shut. The board is usually black or white with chalk or dry-erase writing, and the top is striped (often black and white or coloured) for high visibility.
📋 What’s Written on It
The clapperboard includes important production information:
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Production title
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Director’s name
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Camera operator’s name
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Scene number
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Take number
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Date
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Roll or card number (for digital media or film reels)
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Sometimes: frame rate, timecode, or special notes like "MOS" (no sound)
🛠️ How It’s Used
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Before the scene begins, the clapperboard is held in front of the camera.
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The person operating it announces the scene and take (e.g., "Scene 5, Take 2!").
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They clap the top stick down, which produces a sharp sound and a visual cue.
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This clap sound and the frame where the sticks close are used in post-production to sync the separate audio and video recordings.
🎬 Why It’s Important
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Audio Syncing: Especially in professional productions, audio is recorded separately on a different device. The clap lets editors match the sound spike with the visual frame.
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Organizing Footage: With hundreds of takes, the slate helps editors and directors keep everything organized.
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Continuity and Documentation: Helps track what was shot and what worked.
🔊 "MOS" Slates
Sometimes you’ll see "MOS" written on the board. That means the scene is being filmed without sound. The clapper is still used visually, but without making a noise.
📽️ Digital Clapperboards
Modern productions may use electronic timecode slates that display a synced digital time. These are used for ultra-precise syncing in complex setups.
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