sound stage

Meaning

A sound stage is a large, soundproofed building or room used for movie and television production. Unlike a regular warehouse, it is specifically designed to block out external noise so that dialogue and audio can be recorded clearly. It is a highly practical and neutral term used when discussing the technical side of filmmaking.

Examples

• They built a massive replica of a spaceship inside the studio's largest sound stage.

  They built a massive replica of a spaceship inside the studio's largest sound stage.

• To keep the plot a secret, security was incredibly tight outside the sound stage.

  To keep the plot a secret, security was incredibly tight outside the sound stage.

• Even though it looked like a real forest on screen, the scene was actually shot on a sound stage.

  Even though it looked like a real forest on screen, the scene was actually shot on a sound stage.

• You have to be completely quiet when the red light is on outside the sound stage.

  You have to be completely quiet when the red light is on outside the sound stage.

• The production company rented three sound stages in Atlanta for their new superhero film.

  The production company rented three sound stages in Atlanta for their new superhero film.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The actors performed their play on a sound stage.

  ✓ The actors performed their play on a theater stage.

  A 'sound stage' is for filming movies and TV shows, not for live theater performances before an audience.

• ✗ We recorded the music album in a sound stage.

  ✓ We recorded the music album in a recording studio.

  Although both are soundproof, a 'sound stage' is a massive space designed for physical sets and cameras, whereas a 'recording studio' is for music and voice work.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The sci-fi movie was filmed entirely inside a controlled ________ ________ in London.

  💡 A large, soundproofed building used for building film sets.

  Show answer

  sound stage

• They had to reconstruct the entire apartment on a ________ ________ because of bad weather outside.

  💡 The indoor facility where film sets are built.

  Show answer

  sound stage