Tv Or Film Sound Technician

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

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

College / University

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

sound engineering
music technology
media technology

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

You could take a college course to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a job. Courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sound Engineering
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. Apprenticeships include:

broadcast production assistant
creative venue technician

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

Routes into this Career

It's possible to start out as a roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and setting it up. You can then try to pick up the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.

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.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
persistence and determination
customer service skills
knowledge of media production and communication
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

On a production sound team, your day-to-day duties may include:

setting up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions
selecting and placing fixed microphones
operating the boom (a microphone on a pole, used to get close to the sound source)
checking sound quality
recording sound onto digital devices
servicing and repairing equipment
playing music or sound effects into a live programme

On a post-production team, your duties may include:

following a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions
mixing and balancing speech, effects and background music
editing speech to fit the action on screen
creating extra sound effects and adding them into the soundtrack

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.

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

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

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 or local bands
helping out in a recording studio

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

Tips & Information

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training in sound for TV and film from ScreenSkills and the BBC Academy.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.