The clapperboard
This guideline defines the standard operating procedure for using a clapperboard on F2X productions.
All camera crews must follow this workflow to maintain consistency in syncing, logging, and post-production efficiency.
1. Purpose of the Slate
On F2X sets, the slate serves three essential functions:
Syncing Picture & Sound
The closing of the sticks provides a clear visual and audio sync point.
Shot Identification
The slate communicates the exact Scene, Shot, Take, Roll, FPS, Date, and other critical metadata to the editing team.
Continuity & Logging
Accurate slating helps Script Supervision and Post-Production track and organize material efficiently.
2. Slate Fields (American Standard)
Every slate must be filled out clearly before stepping into frame. F2X uses the following fields:
Production – Project title
Roll – Camera media identifier (e.g., A001, B003)
Scene – Script scene number + letter for each setup (e.g., 27B)
Take – Current attempt of the setup
Director / DP – Names
Date – Shooting date
FPS – Recording frame rate (e.g., 24, 25, 50)
INT / EXT – Interior or exterior
DAY / NIGHT – Story time
MOS – Mark only if no production sound is recorded
Optional fields: Filter, Lens, Timecode, additional notes
3. Scene Numbering (American System)
F2X follows the classic American breakdown:
Scene Number = from the script
Letter = every new camera setup within that scene
27 → First setup
27A → Second setup
27B → Third setup
Take increases with each attempt
27B Take 1, Take 2, Take 3…
For multi-camera setups:
All cameras share Scene and Take, but each camera has its own Roll (A-Cam, B-Cam, etc.).
4. Crew Responsibilities
2nd AC
Prepares and operates the slate
Confirms scene/shot/take with Script Supervisor and Sound
Performs visual marking (clap)
Script Supervisor
Tracks scene/shot/take, continuity, and editorial notes
Sound Mixer
Records audio and labels sound files according to slate information
1st AC / Operator
Confirms when the camera is rolling (“speed”)
5. Standard Slating Procedure (Sync Sound)
Before Rolling
Confirm correct Scene, Letter, Take, Roll with Script Supervisor and Sound.
Update slate fields cleanly and legibly.
Stand by just outside the frame.
Roll Calls (Standard F2X Order)
AD: “Roll sound.”
Sound Mixer: “Speed.”
2nd AC steps into frame with slate clearly visible.
AD: “Roll camera.”
Camera: “Speed.”
2nd AC reads and claps the slate
Calling the Slate
Use phonetic letters for clarity.
Example:
“Scene Twenty-Seven Baker, Take One — mark.”
Then execute a clean, centered clap.
After the Clap
Immediately drop out of frame.
Stay quiet and wait for AD’s “Action.”
6. Special Slating Situations
Soft Sticks
Used when actors are close or the scene demands silence.
“Soft sticks… Scene Twenty-Seven Baker, Take One — mark.”
Second Sticks
If the first clap was not usable.
“Second sticks… Scene Twenty-Seven Baker, Take One — mark.”
MOS (Mit Out Sound)
No sync sound recorded.
Mark MOS on the slate.
Hold sticks closed (no clap).
Call:
“Scene Twenty-Seven Baker, MOS, Take One.”
Tail Slate
For shots where slating at the start is impossible.
Camera keeps rolling after the take.
2nd AC enters with the slate upside down.
Call:
“Scene Twenty-Seven Baker, Take One, tail slate — mark.”
Clap, flip slate upright briefly, exit frame.
7. Additional Labels Used on F2X Sets
Pickups – Only a portion of the action repeated
Series – Multiple actions/takes without cutting
Plate – VFX or background plates
Wild Track – Audio recorded without picture
Common Mark – Multi-camera sync point
8. Professional Slating Etiquette (F2X Standard)
Keep the slate level, centered, and readable.
Avoid blocking light or distracting actors.
Never clap aggressively near talent.
Always double-check with Script and Sound before slating.
Maintain clean handwriting and consistent formatting across the whole shoot. Ensure that you write the values on a small piece of tape and stick it onto the slate in the correct spot whenever the information does not change often throughout the production.
This prevents you from accidentally wiping the information off over time.
For Section 7 – Additional Labels Used on F2X Sets, you may also use shortcuts/abbreviations.
For example, for Pickups, you can add “PU” after the take description/information.
Pickups are counted as regular takes, even if the perspective or camera setup has changed.
You always continue the take count of the scene the Pickup belongs to and simply add “PU” after the take number.
The Scene information stays the same if the Pickup refers to the same scene.
If the Pickup refers to a different scene, then the Scene field must be updated accordingly.