Overview of role
Reporting to the sound recordist, the sound assistant in unscripted TV helps with setting up and packing away sound kit, placing microphones (which includes attaching lavalier mics to contributors) and operating a boom pole. In addition, they deal with batteries and consumables, and undertake basic troubleshooting.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities on a particular production will vary depending on the scale and budget band.
- Set up and test sound equipment under the supervision of the sound recordist
- Become familiar with equipment and shooting plans
- Complete minor repairs of equipment and carry out basic cable repairs
- Prepare lavalier microphones, earpieces and accessories
- Attend recces and pre-production meetings on behalf of the sound recordist if not available
- Check frequencies, settings and batteries of radio transmitters and receivers
- Apply radio transmitters to boom poles, and set up camera links when required
- Apply time code devices to cameras
- Prepare in-ear monitors and distribute among crew and production
- Set up battery charging stations and replace batteries as required
- Operate boom microphone to capture sound, positioning it on the edge of the frame and aiming it precisely at the sound source
- Move sound boom unobtrusively without casting shadows or producing handling noises
- React to unpredictable events while still capturing useable sound
- Check microphones placement is comfortable for contributors
- Position these microphones so that they are unobtrusive, near to the required sound source and do not impede or endanger anyone
- Record independent sound with a portable recorder
- Assist with the replenishment of stocks of consumables when required
- Help to store equipment for the night
- Work in line with health and safety requirements as per production’s policy
- Ensure that general health and safety procedures are enforced at all times
- Minimise any potential boom shadow or reflection problems by checking with the camera operator or looking at any visible monitors
- Check with the director about whether mics need to be hidden and if so, estimate the time involved based on contributors clothing
Role specific skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of sound assistant.
- Have a basic understanding of acoustic principles
- Setting up and operating sound equipment as requested
- Positioning and adjusting microphones to achieve optimal sound quality
- Operating booms
- Communication: communicating in a clear and professional manner with minimal disruption to filming
- Collaboration: understanding the roles of everyone involved in filming so as to be able to compromise on sound issues if needed
- Problem-solving: troubleshooting and resolving issues with any faulty equipment
- Reacting quickly to poor pickup from a boom by effective re-positioning
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Productivity: organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions
- Respectful and inclusive of others and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and respond to changing priorities and working requirements as required, while at all times maintaining high standards in a constantly changing production environment