slate
SLEYT
/sleɪt/
A clapperboard used in filmmaking to synchronize picture and sound and to mark particular scenes and takes.
As a noun, it is the physical board; as a verb, it is the act of presenting and snapping the board in front of the camera.
The story behind the word. Originally, film crew members wrote scene details on actual school slates made of dark metamorphic rock. Later, a wooden hinge was added to create a clapping sound, combining the visual slate with an audio cue.
Word relationships
- clapperboard: 'Clapperboard' is the traditional British term, while 'slate' is more common in American film production.
Commonly confused with
- board: A generic board, whereas a 'slate' has a specific mechanical clapper and written production data.
Word family
- slated (verb): Past tense of slating a scene.
- slating (noun): The act of using a slate on set.
Collocations
- clapper slate
- digital slate
- slate the scene
Example sentences
- "Make sure to hold the slate steady and in clear focus so the editor can read the scene numbers easily." An instruction given to a production assistant on set.
Memory hook
You 'slate' the scene to keep the slate of takes clean and organized. Slate: The clapperboard that starts the take.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the natural stone 'slate' used for roofing, though the tool was originally made from this material.
Fun facts
- The sharp 'clap' sound of the slate is used in post-production to align the exact frame where the clapper closes with the spike in the audio waveform.
Related words
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