When it comes to documentary filmmaking, sound is just as important as visuals—sometimes even more so. For the Monte Cristo Documentary Project, we needed a sound setup that was flexible enough to handle everything from controlled interviews to unpredictable paranormal encounters. Our sound design was built to capture every moment, from whispers in the dark to emotional revelations in interviews.
Shotgun Mics for Run-and-Gun Filmmaking
For our on-the-go shooting, we relied on a shotgun microphone, which was our go-to for run-and-gun situations. Whether we were tracking a subject through the haunted halls of Monte Cristo or responding to sudden paranormal activity, a shotgun mic mounted on our Sony FX3 ensured that we captured clean, directional audio.
Recording the Unexplainable: 32-Bit Float for EVPs
One of the most exciting aspects of this documentary was capturing EVPs (electronic voice phenomena)—disembodied voices that are often inaudible to the human ear but can be picked up on recording devices. To ensure we didn’t miss any of these eerie occurrences, we ran a constant mic recording in 32-bit float. This format allows for incredible dynamic range, meaning even the quietest whispers or sudden spikes in volume were captured without distortion. And yes, we recorded hundreds of unexplained voices.
Lav Mics for Interviews and Unscripted Moments
For sit-down interviews and even casual conversations, we equipped our subjects with Sennheiser G4 lavalier microphones running into our sound mixer. While controlled interviews were planned, documentary filmmaking is unpredictable. Subjects might suddenly walk out in the middle of an emotional conversation, or an unexpected event might unfold. Having lav mics continuously rolling ensured that we never missed a moment.
Carrying extra lavs is essential. We learned this the hard way when one of our lavs broke while shooting in Junee, NSW—one of the most remote places on earth. Having backups saved the day.
Essential Tools for Outdoor Shoots
Shooting outside presents its own set of challenges, especially when dealing with wind. To combat this, we always used a blimp and a deadcat when recording with shotgun mics outdoors. These essential accessories helped minimize wind noise, ensuring our audio remained clear and professional.
The Importance of Ambient Sound
A crucial but often overlooked aspect of sound design is ambient sound recording. These recordings are invaluable during the editing process, allowing us to build atmosphere and seamlessly transition between scenes. Capturing the natural sound of Monte Cristo Homestead—creaking floors, distant whispers, the wind howling through the halls—helped immerse the audience in the eerie setting.
Recording Solo: Staying Flexible
On days when Aimee Brooks was shooting solo without a full crew, adaptability was key. She ran a shotgun mic through the Sony FX3 for direct audio capture or recorded sit-down interviews using a portable recorder. This setup allowed for professional-quality sound without requiring an elaborate rig.
Final Thoughts: Always Be Ready
Sound in documentary filmmaking isn’t just about planning—it’s about preparation for the unexpected. Whether it’s a subject walking off in the middle of an interview, a broken mic in the middle of nowhere, or a whisper from an unseen presence, capturing great sound requires flexibility, backups, and the right gear.
Want to know more about our process? Check out the equipment we used:
📌 Shotgun Microphone: BUY ON AMAZON
📌 Sennheiser G4 Lavalier Mics: BUY ON AMAZON
📌 Sony FX3: BUY ON AMAZON
📌 Blimp for Wind Protection: BUY ON AMAZON
📌 32-Bit Float Recorder: BUY ON AMAZON
Have questions about sound design for your documentary? Drop them in the comments below!