In addition to potential environmental challenges on set, Alexander must also be prepared for the aesthetic obstacles of a shoot. When the talent needs to be close-miked without using a visible solution, the d:screet™ 4071 can be concealed perfectly underneath wardrobe. Recently, during two days of filming a docu-series with Richie Browne, who earned a 2012 bronze medal through the U.S. Paralympics Track and Field National Championships, Alexander needed a mic that could be hidden during exterior shots of Browne at the track.
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I strapped a 4071 around Browne’s chest, with a windscreen on it to kill the noise from his running, and it sounded great,” says Alexander. “It was a lot of long shots and even some footage from drone shots, and he was sweating the entire time, but the mic didn’t fail once.” The established audio engineer discovered
the true benefit of taping the d:screet 4071 underneath clothing during what he recalls his most demanding project, doing a behind-the-scenes shoot with Bubba Watson just after he won the Masters. “The catch was that he’d need to change outfits 40 times without us being able to keep miking him,” says Alexander. “Since we were shooting with a wide shot, [booming] wasn’t an option. When Bubba showed up, I taped the mic to his chest, gave a lot of slack to the cable underneath and strapped the transmitter on his thigh. Bubba said it didn’t bother him at all, he changed so many times and it was windy and raining, but the audio turned out great.”
Over the years, Alexander has shared his knowledge from working in the field as a Lab Specialist of audio at Full Sail University and by serving on the Board of Directors for Women in Film, an international organization.
“My advice to other professionals is to spend the extra money on DPA to get the quality results they desire,” Alexander adds. “A lot of people don’t understand that if you can get that first source of audio to sound good, it makes your job, and that of your post team, so much easier. You don’t have to worry about background noise or proper mic placement. I say that to them and see the light bulbs go off. I just trust my mics and love the results.”
On top of DPA’s d:screet™ 4071, Alexander occasionally turns to a variety of the company’s other mics to fit the wide range of productions he works on, including a major network singing competition show, international commercials and documentaries. Some of the industry veteran’s other production experience includes serving as a booming operator on Magic City and Graceland as well as freelance work as the A1 for The Golf Channel.