The Sound Recordist is responsible for recording the highest-possible quality of ‘live’ sound on location or in studio, usually in sync with the camera.
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Working Life
The Sound Recordist is responsible for recording the highest-possible quality of ‘live’ sound on location or in studio, usually in sync with the camera.
Role and Responsibilities
- Utilise their experience, equipment, technical expertise, and precise timing to capture sound in line with the director's creative vision.
- Read and interpret the script prior to filming to determine technical requirements and how best to achieve them.
- Plan thoroughly before the shoot, test all technical equipment, and decide on equipment placement both on set and on actors.
- Responsible for all aspects of sound operation during production, including boom operation and coordination of sound assistants
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Manage equipment, budgets, and communication with other departments.
Works with
- Director
- Director of Photography
- First AD
- Actors
Qualities - Sound Recordist
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Experience in sound recording.
Excellent technical and creative skills.
The ability to think on feet according to the demands of a busy production.
Knowledge of electronics and a strong understanding of picture sound editing.
Comprehensive knowledge of how scenes are put together and the synchronisation between sound and camera.
Ability to interpret the creative vision of a project in both a practical and technical way.
Good evaluation skills and the ability to think creatively when it comes to test shots and the technical challenges presented by locations and film sets.
Strong communication skills for relaying directions and requirements to sound crew.
Ability to engage with and work with other technical and creative crew.
Great hearing and judgement.
Strong observational and troubleshooting skills.
Interests - Sound Recordist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Sound Recordist
Education Route: A qualification in sound recording is useful.
Career Path to Sound Recordist: There are no usual career paths for the sound recordist. Often, they would have worked their way up through the sound department, starting as a sound trainee. Knowledge of sound equipment and electronics is essential.
Career Path from Sound Recordist: Supervising Sound Editor, Re-recording Mixer, Sound Designer.
