What is a two pop two seconds before the first frame?

• A. Gaffer
• B. Head pop
• C. Layback
• D. Interlaced/Interleaved video

Answer: (B)

Synchronization cues like a head pop give a precise reference point to align audio with video. A head pop is a pair of short, sharp audio pops that are placed, typically two seconds before the first frame, so editors can line up the sound track with the image accurately during post. This is exactly the kind of signal used when there isn’t a slate or clapper available to mark the start.

Gaffer is the lighting supervisor, so that’s not a synchronization cue. Layback refers to moving audio back onto a video master, not the specific cue itself. Interlaced/interleaved video describes how frames are scanned, not a start cue. The two-pop head pop is the reference that matches the described scenario.