Sound Recordists are responsible for all sound recording and its quality on location or in studio, during the period of the shoot.
Videos on the Web
- Sound Recordist – Single Camera- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Sound Recordists are responsible for all sound recording and its quality on location or in studio, during the period of the shoot.
They work closely with the camera operator, director, and any other crew members directly involved with production sound recording, such as the sound assistant and boom operator.
The specific role of the sound recordist will vary, depending on the sise and complexity of the shoot.
Role and Responsibilities
- Fitting radio microphones on all presenters or interviewees in a studio, or on location, but will also involve ensuring that talkback links are in place and working between members of the production team.
- Use problem-solving skills to overcome any sound challenges posed by difficult locations.
- Capture all location sound, ambient sound, and any wild track required.
- Work on single or multi-camera shoots, and the scale of the shoot determines their role.
The role may start prior to production as the director plans the shoot.
As the role is location-based, the sound recordist is required to have a full driving licence.
Works with
- Director
- Camera Operator
- Camera Team
- Line Producer
- All location and studio production crew
- Equipment suppliers
Qualities - Sound Recordist – Single Camera
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Have excellent aural skills.
Have detailed knowledge of sound-recording equipment and all related technology.
Understand the entire television production process, to include the functions of camera and lighting.
Be a team player with the knowledge and confidence to raise any technical or quality issues with the senior production team.
Have the ability to remain intensely focused and still for long periods during a shoot.
Be a good communicator, with the interpersonal skills to to work with everyone from presenters and celebrities to runners.
Be highly organised, with great attention to planning, check-lists, and detail.
Have a general aptitude for technology and be adept at trouble-shooting when technology or equipment “plays up” on location.
Be extremely time-conscious and punctual.
Be capable of working long days, sometimes in locations that are “inhospitable”, and, when necessary, being on the road for several weeks at a time.
Interests - Sound Recordist – Single Camera
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 – Single Camera
Education Route: Sound Recordists will often have taken certificate courses, up to degree level, in sound technology or engineering.
Career Path to Sound Recordist - Single Camera: Frequently, the route taken is through camera runner, and an on-the-job apprenticeship.
Career Path from Sound Recordist - Single Camera: Supervising Sound Editor, Re-recording Mixer, Sound Designer.
