New ways to get the Bleep outta there

[Big World]

Hi All,

I am doing a doc where some of the primary subjects are using the F word quite a bit. Unfortunately the broadcasters won't allow this, even though it will sound stupid to bleep. Hence this post, I am wondering if anyone has some interesting bleeping or dipping methods etc. I have some ideas but would welcome some novel methods for dealing with this pesky menace. Thanks in advance.

Doug

[Ryan Young]

A lot of times in music videos, they'll reverse the profanity and maybe chop it up a little just to scatter it a bit. Otherwise, use a 1k tone (please correct me if I'm wrong). I'd like to hear some other methods as well. Good luck.

-Ryan

[CD Productions]

I've done projects where we just dropped the word. MTV has a no bleep policy. At least it did on the show I just worked on. I like the idea of chopping up the word or reversing it. Artistically I find the whole thing dumb. You can show someone getting shot, but they can't drop the f- bomb when they get shot. I tell you, if I get shot and can still speak, you can bet that's what I'd say. Then I'd quote Beaudelaire.

[KK Proffitt]

I've done projects where we just dropped the word. MTV has a no bleep policy. At least it did on the show I just worked on. I like the idea of chopping up the word or reversing it. Artistically I find the whole thing dumb. You can show someone getting shot, but they can't drop the f- bomb when they get shot. I tell you, if I get shot and can still speak, you can bet that's what I'd say. Then I'd quote Beaudelaire.

Something from "Les [bleep] du Mal" perhaps? Oh, wait, that's "Les FLEURS du Mal".

[Don Barto]

My favorite technique is to replace the offending word with room tone. If it doesn't create a convincing illusion that the speaker is restraining his or herself by swallowing the word or saying it under their breath, then throw in an appropriate sound effect, carefully placed to confuse the issue of what exactly is being said — something like a truck going by off-camera or another voice or laughter or anything else that might just thicken the texture a bit. Many listeners will swear they heard the offending word when the actually did not.

If none of that works, try copy/pasting less offensive words (taken from elsewhere in the dialog) into the speaker's mouth...to replace the offensive words. It's all a lot of fun when you have the time and a client who might buy into such an approach. But realize, some clients may prefer to go with the shock value that the bleep instantly commands.

[soundguydave]

I always thought the bleep could be funny. They used it a bunch in arrested development. It was always funny. I guess because the actors were speaking like real people, but the broadcasters just wouldn't allow it.

[CD Productions]

I have actually bleeped non offensive words to give the impression that someone said something they didn't. Usually for comic effect or impact. Please don't tell. %$#@%$

[Craig F]

you wouldn't do work on the Jimmy Kimmel show now would you?

[Ryan Young]

Haha, one of the best bits on television!

[CD Productions]

$#%$#%# no. I guess they have a gag where they do that?