The Sound of a Tail Slate
“Donkey Call” is a colorful piece of production slang used by sound departments to describe the sound of a tail slate (also known as an end slate or end board). A tail slate is the process of marking a take with the clapperboard at the end of the shot, rather than at the beginning. The nickname comes from the distinct, two-part sound that can sometimes resemble the “hee-haw” of a donkey: the sharp “clap” of the slate’s sticks followed immediately by the 2nd Assistant Camera (AC) shouting a word like “Marker!” or “Slate!”
Why Tail Slates are Necessary
While slating at the beginning of a take is standard procedure, it’s not always practical. A tail slate is required in situations where a head slate would disrupt the shot, such as:
- Difficult Camera Positions: The shot might start on a very tight close-up or with a camera move that makes it impossible for the AC to get the slate in front of the lens.
- Spontaneous Action: The director may want to roll immediately to capture a delicate performance, a genuine reaction from an actor, or an unrepeatable event (like an explosion or stunt) without breaking the moment by calling for a slate.
- Animals or Children: When working with unpredictable subjects, it’s often best to start rolling and hope to capture the desired action, slating only after the moment has passed.
The Proper Procedure
Executing a tail slate has a specific protocol to avoid confusion in post-production. At the end of the take, but before the director cuts, the 2nd AC will step in front of the camera, hold the clapperboard upside down, and call out “Tail Slate!” or “End Slate!” The slate is held upside down as a clear visual signal to the editor that the synchronization mark is at the end of the take, not the beginning. Once the clap is captured on camera and on the sound recorder, the take is complete. The editor can then easily find this mark and sync the picture and sound for the edit.