O.k.. I'm sure somewhere in my Google spammed mind I know the answer to this, but I'm tired and can't seem to remember.. What is the thing that directors use when they say "CUT!" and they snap that flat square thing thats black and white usually.. lol.. my answer to everything these days is google >_<
SLATES - A visual marker used during filming to provide production and scene information. Also a visual and audible marker for syncing picture and audio later in post production. There are several different methods of slating: A smart slate provides a readable time code display on a clapper board. This time code is the same that is being recorded simultaneously on the audio tape. By stopping on any frame and reading the displayed time code, one can find that exact point on the audio tape, then lock the audio to the film for sync sound. A bloop slate is basically a box with a light bulb or a 2 digit number display. When a button is pressed the light(s) illuminate and a tone is recorded onto the audio tape. By lining up the light with the sound beep, sync is achieved. Clap sticks are the most traditional, with the clap of the wood as the sync reference. Of these methods, smart slates are the fastest and most accurate. Head slates, those that appear at the beginning of a sound take, are far preferred over tail slates in which the marker is provided at the end of the take, (usually with the slate upside down to denote a tail mark).
Thanks a lot timsdd !! I actually found this quite interesting as I honestly didn't know much about them. I really appreciate your help