Synchronizer (film editing)
Encyclopedia
A film synchronizer is a device used in the editing
phase of filmmaking
.
Film synchronizers generally have 1 to 8 "gang(s)", or slots through which film can be threaded. Each gang consists of a group of large diameter sprocket
s on a common shaft. A rotating knob on the front, which moves the threaded film through the gangs, operates the synchronizer’s movement. At the same time, there is a mechanical numerical counter
which records the amount of film that has passed through the gangs. The unit may have a counter that counts the number of frames
, or the length of the footage
. The entire purpose of the film synchronizer is to ensure that the film is in "sync" with other reels of film when it is hand-cranked through the gangs. The film editor may have a soundtrack
on one gang, which can be read with an audio amplifier.
The synchronizer is used in conjunction with several other devices on what is called the editing "bench". The film synchronizer is specifically used to track the length of a reel of film.
Both 16 mm and 35 mm versions exist, as well as versions with both 16 mm and 35 mm sprockets geared together so that the same number of frames are transported on each section.
Film editing
Film editing is part of the creative post-production process of filmmaking. It involves the selection and combining of shots into sequences, and ultimately creating a finished motion picture. It is an art of storytelling...
phase of filmmaking
Filmmaking
Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story, idea, or commission, through scriptwriting, casting, shooting, directing, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a theatrical release or television program...
.
Film synchronizers generally have 1 to 8 "gang(s)", or slots through which film can be threaded. Each gang consists of a group of large diameter sprocket
Sprocket
A sprocket or sprocket-wheel is a profiled wheel with teeth, cogs, or even sprockets that mesh with a chain, track or other perforated or indented material. The name 'sprocket' applies generally to any wheel upon which are radial projections that engage a chain passing over it...
s on a common shaft. A rotating knob on the front, which moves the threaded film through the gangs, operates the synchronizer’s movement. At the same time, there is a mechanical numerical counter
Counter
In digital logic and computing, a counter is a device which stores the number of times a particular event or process has occurred, often in relationship to a clock signal.- Electronic counters :...
which records the amount of film that has passed through the gangs. The unit may have a counter that counts the number of frames
Film frame
In filmmaking, video production, animation, and related fields, a film frame or video frame is one of the many still images which compose the complete moving picture...
, or the length of the footage
Footage
In filmmaking and video production, footage is the raw, unedited material as it had been originally filmed by movie camera or recorded by a video camera which usually must be edited to create a motion picture, video clip, television show or similar completed work...
. The entire purpose of the film synchronizer is to ensure that the film is in "sync" with other reels of film when it is hand-cranked through the gangs. The film editor may have a soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
on one gang, which can be read with an audio amplifier.
The synchronizer is used in conjunction with several other devices on what is called the editing "bench". The film synchronizer is specifically used to track the length of a reel of film.
Both 16 mm and 35 mm versions exist, as well as versions with both 16 mm and 35 mm sprockets geared together so that the same number of frames are transported on each section.