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Everything about Clapperboard

Device used to aid in the syncing of audio with a moving image

A clapperboard, also known as a dumb slate, clapboard, film clapper, film slate, movie slate, or production slate, is a device used in filmmaking, television production and video production to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. It is operated by the clapper loader. It is said to have been invented by Australian filmmaker F. W. Thring. Due to its ubiquity on film sets, the clapperboard is frequently featured in behind-the-scenes footage and films about filmmaking, and has become an enduring symbol of the film industry as a whole. Wikipedia →

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📖 Definitions

Noun A device consisting of a board on which information about a film being recorded is noted, and a hinged piece which is brought down on the board with a clap at the start and end of each take of the film; it is used to synchronize picture and sound during editing.

Verb To use a clapperboard, especially to clap it to start a film take.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. History
  2. Description
  3. Purpose
  4. Construction
  5. Operation

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