TV or film sound technician

Sound technicians are responsible for recording the voices and background noise on TV and film shoots.

Also known as: Production sound mixer, sound recordist

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£45,000 a year
• Typical hours42 to 50 a week

What you'll do

As a sound technician in production, you could:

• set up equipment following a sound designer's instructions
• select and place fixed microphones
• operate a boom microphone to get close to the sound source
• check the sound quality
• record sound to digital devices
• maintain, service and repair equipment
• play music or sound effects into a live programme

In post-production, you could:

• mix and balance speech, effects and background music
• edit speech to match the action on screen
• create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack

Working environment

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• knowledge of sound engineering and technology
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• active listening skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a tV or film sound technician

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• sound engineering
• music technology
• media technology
• electrical or electronic engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a college course to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a position as a sound trainee.

Courses include:

• music technology
• sound engineering
• creative digital media production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could start training in this job by applying for an apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills.

Apprenticeships include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3
• Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Level 3
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

It's possible to start out as an assistant roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and helping to set it up. This would allow you to learn some of the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.

Volunteering

You could look for work experience placements with larger broadcasters like the BBC , ITV and Channel 4 .

You could also get experience by:

• working on student or community film or radio projects
• setting up or 'rigging' sound equipment for amateur theatre, local bands and smaller festivals
• helping out in a recording studio

These are good ways to make contacts, learn new skills and to hear about job opportunities.

Direct application

You could apply directly for jobs but employers will expect you to have a lot of knowledge and experience in sound technology and equipment, and the science of sound.

Other routes

You could complete a training course with a specialist course provider.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to become a sound mixer or designer, working closely with producers and directors, to create soundtracks for productions. You might also move into studio management.

There may be further opportunities to use your skills, for example in related areas like animation and computer games development.

Career tips

As a trainee, it's important to be well organised and and have good time management skills to be on set or location when required.

You'll also need to be adaptable, able to deal with background sound distractions and be willing to ask questions in order to learn quickly.

Guides for this industry

• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

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