What Is a Slate in Film?
The film slate—sometimes called a clapperboard—is an essential tool in filmmaking. It’s held in front of the camera at the start of a shot and displays key info: production name, scene, take, date, and the names of the director and DP. The camera assistant calls out the details, then claps the sticks, creating both a visible and audible marker.
Why do we use a slate? On set, sound is typically recorded separately from the camera. The sharp clap sound, captured by the audio recorder, is matched to the moment the sticks shut in the video. This allows editors to perfectly sync sound and picture in post-production—a process that’s essential for every film or video project.
What Info Is on a Slate?
- Production Title
- Scene and Take Number
- Date
- Director and DP (Director of Photography)
- Additional details as needed (roll, camera, sound, etc.)
How Does a Slate Work?
The camera assistant positions the slate in view, reads aloud, then claps the sticks. The visual “clap” and the sharp noise are used to align audio and video during editing. This process is fast, efficient, and has been a part of professional filmmaking for decades.
Why Every Film Set Needs a Slate
Slates aren’t just for tradition—they’re a practical, time-saving solution for syncing sound and video. They also help editors keep track of every shot, scene, and take, reducing confusion and making the entire post-production workflow smoother.