Clapper/Slating Shots - Basic

Slating is the process of marking the clapperboard, and calling out during recording, a certain sequence of numbers that indicate the Scene, Slate, and Take that is being recorded. The purpose of the number sequence is to identify each shot and audio file so they can be labelled and synched correctly in post-production.

This particular Slating/Clapperboard procedure can be used for both drama and documentary productions. It is called the Cumulative Setup/Take system, often referred to as the 'Australian System'.

Clapper/Slating Shots PDF

Below are working examples for marking and calling the slate

First camera set-up on the first day (let's say the first scene to be shot is Scene 5), and first take of that set-up, will be marked as:

Scene 5 - Slate 1 - Take 1

and called as:

Slate 1, Take 1 (or just 1.1 for speed and brevity)

Next take would then be marked:

Scene 5 - Slate 1 - Take 2

and called as:

Slate 1, Take 2

If that is the last take of that set-up, and we have a new set-up (meaning the camera has been moved, or there has been a lens change - the frame has changed), this will be marked:

Scene 5 - Slate 2 - Take 1

and called as:

Slate 2, Take 1

Lets say there is then a Scene change to Scene 7, the next slate will be marked:

Scene 7 - Slate 3 - Take 1 

and called as:

Slate 3, Take 1

If this is the last set-up of the day, the first slate and take of the next day will be marked (still filming Scene 7):

Scene 7 - Slate 4 - Take 1

and called as:

Slate 4, Take 1

Additional Unscripted Scenes Added During a Shoot

If an unscripted scene is to be inserted during the shoot - let's say between Scene 5 and 6, it is labelled as 5A.

Additional unscripted scenes are then be labelled 5B, 5C, etc.

If the unscripted scene is to be inserted between a scene that is already split (i.e. 5A and 5B), the inserted scene is called 5AA.

Scenes Being Shot by 1st Unit and 2nd Unit

When a scene is shot by both a 1st Unit and 2nd Unit (let's say it is Scene 8), then 2nd Unit clapper would be marked:

Scene 8 - Slate X - Take 1

*Note that the Slate has been marked MOS as it is being recorded without sound, which is the case for most 2nd Unit shots

If next shot is a new set-up, it will be marked as:

Scene 8 - Slate X1 - Take 1

If audio is recorded, the slate will be called as:

Slate X1, Take 1

Scenes Shot with Multiple Cameras

Ideally the clapper is placed so that every camera can see it.

If that is not possible, the clapper must slate each camera in turn, calling:

Slate 4, Take 1 Camera A (wait for Camera Unit to "Mark It" call then close the clapper)

then move to where Camera B can see the clapper and call:

Slate 4 Take 1 Camera B (wait for Camera Unit to "Mark It" call then close the clapper)