The #1 Mistake Beginner Filmmakers Make (And How to Fix It!)
When starting out in filmmaking, many beginners focus intensely on visuals—cinematography, lighting, and camera gear—while completely overlooking one of the most crucial aspects of filmmaking: SOUND. It is the top mistake for beginner filmmakers. Neglecting audio is the biggest mistake new filmmakers make, and it can ruin an otherwise well-shot film. Remember the sound is HALF YOUR MOVIE. Loads of people forget this simple fact.
Why Sound Matters More Than You Think
Audiences can forgive a slightly shaky shot or imperfect lighting, but bad sound immediately makes a film feel amateurish. Clear dialogue, ambient sound, and well-mixed audio create an immersive experience, making sound just as important—if not more—than visuals.
Common Audio Mistakes Beginner Filmmakers Make
- Relying on Camera Microphones – Built-in camera mics capture low-quality, distant, and echo-filled audio. Professional productions always use external microphones.
- Not Hiring a Sound Mixer or Boom Operator – Many beginners assume they can handle sound themselves, but audio recording is a skill. A dedicated sound professional ensures clean, high-quality audio.
- Ignoring Room Acoustics – Shooting in a space with excessive echo or background noise can make dialogue difficult to understand.
- Not Using Lav or Boom Mics Properly – Improper mic placement leads to muffled, noisy, or inconsistent sound.
- Skipping Post-Production Sound Design – Good sound isn’t just captured on set; it’s refined in post-production with noise reduction, mixing, and sound effects.
How to Fix Your Sound Game
- Invest in Proper Audio Gear – At minimum, use a shotgun mic and a lavalier mic for clear dialogue recording.
- Hire or Consult an Audio Professional – A skilled sound mixer and boom operator can drastically improve production value.
- Scout Locations with Sound in Mind – Consider ambient noise and room acoustics before choosing a location. If there are sirens every 2 minutes it might not be a place to shoot in.
- Monitor Sound While Filming – Use headphones to check audio levels in real time.
- Dedicate Time to Sound Editing – Use software like Adobe Audition or DaVinci Resolve’s Fairlight to clean and enhance your audio.
Final Thoughts
If you want to create professional-level films, don’t make the mistake of neglecting sound. Invest in quality audio gear, hire the right crew, and treat sound as a priority from pre-production to post. Your audience may not always notice great sound, but they will definitely notice bad sound.
Check out our resources at Beyond Film School with the video below:
There’s also a great example of bad vs decent sound in the video
