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:

• Production mixer/sound recordist: the head of the sound team. They interpret production and artistic requirements, assess the acoustics and plan where to place sound equipment, monitor and adjust sound levels during recording, and record the sound onto digital audio tape
• Boom Operator: positions all microphones to ensure the best capture of sound, and holds and operates the boom microphone during recording
• Sound Assistant: checks all sound equipment and microphones and assists the rest of the sound crew.

Sound technicians are also responsible for the assembly, maintenance and dismantling of sound equipment for each production, repairing faults as they arise.

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.

Hours and Environment

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.

Skills and Interests

To be a sound technician you need:

• an understanding of the physics of sound
• an interest in electronics and technology
• good practical and technical skills
• good hearing or musical ability
• creative flair
• stamina to deal with long, unpredictable hours
• good communication and teamworking skills
• quick reactions and the ability to keep calm under pressure.

Entry

You will need to develop knowledge of music and recording technology, and it is also useful to have a knowledge of physics and electronics. Most sound engineers take a relevant college or university course, such as:

• City and Guilds 7503 Level 1 Certificate and Level 2 Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
• BTEC/SQA National Certificate and Diploma in Music Technology or Media (Audio Production)
• foundation degrees, HNCs/HNDs and degrees in sound engineering, acoustics, audio or music technology.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

The Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) accredits some courses. See website for further details.

Whatever your qualifications, the key to finding work is to get practical experience and to make contacts in the industry. You can gain experience from:

• student theatre or film productions
• community or hospital radio
• recording or mixing music in a home studio
• rigging sound for theatre
• working for a sound equipment manufacturer or hire company
• working as a runner in a recording or editing studio.

Contact Skillset Careers for more advice about finding work experience.

Training

Entrants usually start in a trainee or assistant role and work their way up through on-the-job training and shadowing more experienced technicians.

New entrant training in the technical areas of broadcasting is available, administered by organisations such as FT2 Film and Television Freelance Training and Scottish Screen. The courses run for about two years, with attachments to film and TV companies. Places are strictly limited and the selection process is rigourous.

Short professional development and technical courses are available for existing technicians in, for example, digital audio or new technologies. Skillset provides a media course search database listing relevant courses - see the Skillset website for more details.

Opportunities

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.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Sound assistants may earn around £16,000 per year.
Sound personnel with around ten years’ experience will normally earn £30,000 or more.

Freelance rates within the media vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually or from guidelines provided by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). Rates will vary depending on an individual's experience, the type of production and the budget available.

Further information

PO Box 22
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 7YZ
Tel: 01803 868600

373-377 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT

4th Floor
Warwick House
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA 249 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 4QE
Tel: 0141 302 1700 Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB