When I started out as a producer, one of the content production mistakes I consistently made was overlooking audio during filming. In one of my early shoots, a director from another department explained that our spaces were great for lighting and visuals, but the audio was challenging. When we set up for the shoot, I understood what he meant as we set up in a room full of echo. The DP pointed out ambient noises throughout the room and asked if we could turn off the refrigerator. I scrambled around trying to figure out whom to ask in the facilities department.

During another shoot I thought everything was in place to record a voiceover. I had reserved an empty office for recording and the DP confirmed he had an audio technician and equipment. When the DP and sound technician arrived, they took one step inside the office and pointed out the air conditioning. The DP asked if we could turn it off, but I realized that might require turning off the air conditioning in multiple rooms.

Together, the DP and I found another room that was much smaller and didn’t have the ambient noise we experienced in other rooms. The only problem: We would have to deal with background noise as installation crews arrived and staff arrived in the office. Quickly, the DP and sound technician worked to set up sound blankets, mics, and equipment quickly so we could begin recording before the office noise started.

Now when I start thinking about a filming location, I remind myself that audio is just as important as the visuals. Background noise, poor mic placement, and low-quality sound can make an otherwise professional video obnoxious for the audience watching it. I’ve learned to think about potential ambient noises, echo, and cars or buses passing by so I can troubleshoot with the production team ahead of time. If the audio isn’t clean, reshooting might not be an option, so getting it right the first time is crucial.