The Real Noise Conditions on Film Sets

Film production environments are active and unpredictable, with sound levels changing throughout the day.

Typical Noise Levels:

• Crew communication and direction: 65–75 dB
• Equipment movement and setup: 70–80 dB
• Action scenes or rehearsals: 75–85 dB

Recording-quality audio, however, requires:

• 30–40 dB for clean capture

👉 This gap creates a situation where even moderate background noise can:

• Contaminate audio
• Require retakes
• Increase post-production work

How Noise Affects Daily Production

When acoustic separation is not properly managed, production teams face ongoing challenges that affect both time and cost.

Key impacts include:

• Audio contamination, requiring additional editing or re-recording
• Delays in shooting schedules, as crews wait for quieter conditions
• Increased production costs, due to repeated takes
• Reduced performance quality, as actors and crew deal with distractions

Over time, these issues can significantly slow down production and reduce overall efficiency.

Why Traditional Set Dividers Don’t Work

Film sets often use temporary solutions such as:

• Curtains
• Flat panels
• Standard accordion room dividers

While these may block sightlines, they do not effectively control sound.

Common limitations include:

• Low acoustic accordion partition STC rating
• No sealing to prevent sound leakage
• Poor performance in reducing speech and equipment noise

👉 As a result, sets remain acoustically connected, even when visually separated.

OSHA Compliance – California Film Production Environments

OSHA Standard Reference:

• 85 dB(A) – Action Level
• 90 dB(A) – Permissible Exposure Limit

Film production environments often operate within:

• 70–85 dB ranges, depending on activity

👉 Continuous exposure at these levels can affect:

• Crew focus and communication
• Fatigue during long production days
• Overall working conditions

The Solution: FoldaSil® ANC-AP40-2 Acoustic Accordion Partition System

The FoldaSil® ANC-AP40-2 Acoustic Accordion Partition System provides a flexible and effective way to manage sound between multiple production areas.

It functions as:

• A high-performance acoustic accordion door system
• A movable accordion partition for adaptable set layouts
• A sound control room divider accordion solution for professional environments

How ANC-AP40-2 Improves Film Production

By introducing controlled acoustic separation, production teams can maintain efficiency without compromising sound quality.

Key Improvements:

• Reduced sound transfer between sets, minimizing audio interference
• Improved recording quality, with cleaner audio capture
• Faster production workflow, reducing delays and retakes
• Flexible space management, allowing sets to be reconfigured as needed

Before vs After: Production Efficiency

Before Installation:

• Noise levels: 70–85 dB across multiple sets
• Frequent audio contamination
• Increased need for retakes

After Installing ANC-AP40-2:

• Reduced to approximately 40–50 dB in recording zones
• Less intelligible background noise
• Improved efficiency and production speed

👉 The goal is not silence—it is controlled acoustic separation for reliable recording conditions.

Why Accordion Partition Systems Work for Film Studios

Film production requires solutions that balance:

• Flexibility
• Speed
• Acoustic performance

With accordion partition systems:

• Sets can be divided instantly
• Layouts can adapt throughout the shoot
• Noise can be controlled without permanent construction

Compared to fixed walls, accordion doors provide a more practical solution for dynamic production environments.