TV or film sound technician
Record, mix and check the voices and background noise on a TV or film shoot in a studio or on location.
Also known as: sound recordist, production mixer, audio recordist
About the job
What it's like
You would record, mix and check the voices and background noise on a TV or film shoot in a studio or on location.
You could specialise in one of the following:
Production sound – recording sound on set or location
Post-production – putting the final soundtrack together in an editing studio
On a production sound team you could work as a:
Sound recordist
Boom operator
Sound assistant
Depending on your job role, you might:
Set up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions
Select and place fixed microphones
Position the moving microphones around the performers for the best sound
Check sound quality
Record sound onto digital devices
Look after equipment
Play music or sound effects into a live programme
In post-production, you could work as a:
Re-recording (dubbing) mixer
Dialogue editor/mixer
Foley (sound effects) artist
Foley editor
Depending on your job role, you might:
Follow a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions
Mix and balance speech, effects and background music
Edit speech to fit the action on screen
Create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack
You would need to follow health and safety rules when dealing with equipment.
Hours
You would often work long and irregular hours, including early mornings or late nights, according to the demands of the production. You may also need to be flexible and work at short notice.
Environment
For production sound recording, you could work anywhere from studios to outside locations in all weather conditions. Post-production sound editing takes place in soundproofed studios and editing suites.
Travel
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas.
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Related industries
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- listening
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- time management
- taking responsibility
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Music Technology
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Although there are no set entry qualifications required to enter this job, some applicants have gained a qualification in a relevant field prior to looking for work.
You can enter some Sound Production National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas like sound production, music technology or audio engineering usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Employers highly value experience and it will improve your chances of finding work if you have a good knowledge of sound technology and equipment, and an understanding of the science of sound.
Large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, insight and talent days. Schemes may be competitive and have eligibility and application criteria.
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