Sound technicians/operators use technical equipment to record, amplify, mix and monitor sound. Their aim is to achieve the best possible sound quality in any given circumstances.
Jobs in film and television sound fall into two main categories: production sound, which is the recording of all sound on set or location; and post- production, where the recorded sound is balanced, mixed and edited, and any additional sound effects are added. Production sound crews usually consist of:
Post-production roles include sound editors, re-recording/dubbing mixers, dialogue editors, music editors, foley artists (who create extra sound effects), and foley editors (responsible for synchronising the additional sound effects into the soundtrack).
The Skillset website has more detailed information about specific job roles within production and post-production sound – see Further Information.
Sound technicians work irregular hours according to the demands of a production. Evening, night and weekend work is common.
They may work in enclosed, soundproofed studios, or on location or outside broadcasts, which can involve working in all weather conditions, and could be anywhere from a racecourse to an outdoor music festival. Travel is necessary for location work and may involve staying away from home.
As a sound technician you should:
Opportunities exist within large television broadcasters, independent production companies, theatres, radio stations and post-production facilities companies. Most people working in production sound are usually employed on a freelance basis, although it is more common for those working in post-production to be employed permanently. This is a very competitive industry.
Digital technology has brought some changes to jobs in sound, particularly in post-production. Multiskilling is also becoming more important in the industry, for instance on newsgathering where operators might combine sound and camera skills. Some sound operators work for TV and radio simultaneously.
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80-110 New Oxford Street
Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU)
373-377 Clapham Road