Magic Slate

Magic Slate

Magic slate is a reusable drawing device. With magic slate, you can draw, erase and reuse the device as many times as you choose. A popular version of this device is a board with two sheets of filmy paper. You draw on it and then lift the page to erase.

Who Invented Magic Slate?

The story of the Magic Slate starts to get interesting right from the beginning. In the early 1920s, the owner of a corset factory, Mr. R.A. Watkins was approached by a man looking to sell the rights to an invention he called the “Paper Saver” – a simple home-made device made from tissue and wax cardboard.

What is the use of magnets on a magnetic magic slate?

This is exactly the same principle the magnetic drawing board is based on: it can be written on and erased at will by means of a “magic” pen. The board contains a magnet, which means that lines can be drawn, because the magnet attracts the magnetic particles that are on the board.

How does slate work?

A film slate is made of two components: hinged clapper sticks and a board. Before a director calls “Action!” the second assistant camera (also called the second AC or clapper loader) claps the ticks together to make a loud, distinct “clap” noise.

When was magic slate created?

Magic Slates were created in 1923 by R.A. Watkins, a caretaker in an abandoned corset factory in Aurora, Ill. Watkins had devised a makeshift time sheet out of scraps of corset plastic on wax boards. He took one home for his children to play with, and the rest is history.

What does Softstick mean?

So, when slating near an actor, it is best that one does what is known as “soft sticks,” which means one gently closes the sticks to avoid disturbing the actor.

Are Clapperboards still used?

Wikipedia says a clapperboard is the “device used in filmmaking and video production to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound.” Which is pretty open-ended, as there are actually plenty of ways filmmakers could assist themselves in synchronizing picture and sound.

How do you slate your name?

How to Slate for an Audition
Read the directions. Every audition is different, and some casting directors may not want the same details in their slate as others. State your full name. Keep it under five seconds. Consider the tone. Provide a full-body shot. Be confident.

Elena Rostova
Author

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.