Slate
Slate is a common term in audiobook and voice-over production that refers to the brief introduction recorded at the beginning of an audio session. It typically includes basic information like the title, chapter, narrator's name, and take number. Think of it as a digital label or header that helps organize audio recordings. When someone mentions "slating" in audio production, they're talking about this process of adding these verbal identification markers. It's similar to how a movie uses a clapperboard before filming scenes, but for audio recordings.
Examples in Resumes
Recorded and edited Slate information for over 200 audiobook chapters
Developed standardized Slate protocols for consistency across multiple narrators
Trained new voice talent on proper Slate techniques and best practices
Typical job title: "Audio Production Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Audio Production Specialists
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you establish slate standards for a large audiobook production company?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating consistent guidelines, implementing quality control processes, training procedures for new staff, and systems for managing slate information across multiple projects and teams.
Q: What challenges have you faced with slate management in large-scale productions?
Expected Answer: Should describe experiences with organizing multiple books/chapters, maintaining consistency across different narrators, and solutions for tracking and organizing slate information efficiently.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What information do you include in a standard audiobook slate?
Expected Answer: Should list essential elements like book title, chapter number, narrator name, date, take number, and explain why each piece of information is important for production.
Q: How do you handle slate corrections and retakes?
Expected Answer: Should explain process of marking corrected takes, organizing multiple versions, and maintaining clear documentation of changes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of slating in audio production?
Expected Answer: Should explain that slating helps identify and organize audio recordings, making it easier to find specific sections and manage the production process.
Q: Describe the basic process of recording a slate.
Expected Answer: Should describe speaking clearly, including essential information, proper microphone technique, and basic organizational practices.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic slate recording technique
- Understanding of slate components
- Simple file organization
- Basic audio recording knowledge
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient slate management
- Quality control procedures
- Multiple project organization
- Training others in slate protocols
Senior (5+ years)
- Creating slate standards
- Managing large-scale productions
- Implementing automation systems
- Developing training programs
Red Flags to Watch For
- Inconsistent slate formatting
- Poor organizational skills
- Lack of attention to detail
- No experience with standard audio production software
- Unable to explain basic slate components
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Beyond Spreadsheets: Why Executive Dashboards in ATS Systems Are Your Secret Hiring Weapon
Why Your Hiring Spreadsheets Are Secretly Sabotaging Your Recruitment
Speak Up! How Voice Search Is Changing Job Listings and What HR Needs to Do About It
