Arts >> Movies & TV >> Film Production

DIY Time Code Slates

Time code slates are used in film production to assist the filmmaker in editing. It consists of a number of primary colors painted on the slate, or clapperboard, to aid in color correction. Information about the film and the scene are printed on the slate and a hinged top portion is used to produce an clapping noise to signal the beginning of a scene. While this iconic piece of filmmaking equipment can be purchased, it is fairly simple to make your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch plywood
  • 2-inch-by-1-inch wood plank
  • Blackboard paint
  • Paint, primary colors
  • Brass hinge
  • Wood glue
  • Small stencils
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 10-inch-by-6-inch section out of the plywood. Cut two 10-inch sections out of the plank.

    • 2

      Paint the wood with the blackboard paint and let it dry. Paint a grayscale and primary color swatches on the side wooden planks that will face the camera and let them dry. Each swatch should be at least 1 inch in width.

    • 3

      Place the planks together and secure them to each other using the brass hinge. Glue the bottom of the plank to the plywood board with the color swatches facing out. You can use a nail gun or small screws to further secure the clapper to the board.

    • 4

      Use the small stencils to paint on the information headers on the board. A typical clapperboard will have the time stamp, the name of the movie, the roll or tape number, the scene number and the take number. You can add other pertinent information that may help such as the type of shot, the location and the camera number in use.

Film Production

Related Categories