A long interview can begin in convincing synchronisation and finish with speech visibly detached from the mouth. Before commissioning an uninterrupted discussion, ask for a test that reflects the intended recording duration. Checking only the first sentence establishes an alignment point, not necessarily a stable relationship throughout the take.
This matters when sound and picture are stored on different devices, or when several cameras need to share one speech recording. The buyer's role is to specify the programme requirement and acceptable result. The production team should choose and verify the technical method.
Distinguish an address from a shared pace
Timecode helps identify where material belongs. It should not be treated as a blanket promise that every device records at exactly the same pace. Ambient's explanation of timecode and sync distinguishes file timestamps from clock synchronisation and identifies drift as an issue in long recordings. The relevance depends on the actual system.
A useful supplier explanation answers two questions: how are the files initially aligned, and how is alignment maintained or corrected over the planned duration? You do not need to choose genlock equipment or calculate clock error yourself. You do need to know that the second question has been considered.
Make the test representative
Tell the supplier the longest likely continuous contribution, including the possibility that a valuable answer runs beyond the outline. Ask whether the test covers that duration and the actual combination of recording devices. A short demonstration from a different setup may not establish the intended workflow.
Request review points near the beginning, middle and end. Visible speech is useful because it lets the team assess the relationship directly. Where a camera cannot see the speaker's mouth clearly, the producer should explain how alignment will be checked rather than relying on the buyer's impression of a wide shot.
Assign correction before the schedule closes
If the workflow expects postproduction adjustment, include that work in the quote and delivery plan. Clarify whether it applies to the whole recording, individual segments or each camera separately. It should not appear as an unexpected problem after the first cut has already been approved.
A hypothetical company records a lengthy technical discussion for several later learning modules. An early test looks correct at the opening but reveals a small mismatch near the end. The team revises its capture or alignment process before the session. That is more efficient than discovering that every selected late answer needs separate investigation after editing begins.
Review the actual output
Acceptance should follow the synchronised deliverable, not merely a statement that timecode was used. Ask whether all cameras have been checked, whether any segments required correction and whether the final exports preserve the approved alignment. For shortened versions, review visible speech around edit boundaries as well as the original test points.
A sensible sync brief is proportionate. A brief piece to camera may not require the same arrangements as a continuous panel. Describing the longest real take and requiring evidence across that duration lets the supplier justify the method without turning a commissioning conversation into a list of equipment demands.
Discuss the production
Contact Live Images to discuss the proposed film, intended audience and audio requirements. Confirm suitability, scope and availability for your particular brief.
Editorial note
Original commissioning guidance prepared with AI assistance. Examples are hypothetical, not completed Live Images projects. Search intent is an editorial hypothesis, not measured demand. This draft remains unpublished.