Sound Technicians work closely with Boom Operators and Sound Designers to not only record material on shoots, but to set up and sustain equipment throughout the process. They contribute to the final placement of sound within the post-production soundtrack, whist applying their knowledge for the best application of material within productions.
DUTIES
A Sound Technicians duties differ depending on which part of the project they are working in. In the production stage, their duties include: setting up equipment on sets, assessing sound quality, operating equipment during shoots,playing effects or music onto a live programme and servicing or repairing equipment. In the post-production stage, they primarily follow a sound designers instructions to mix speech, effects and other sounds with visuals, edit speech to fit according with visuals and create sound effects to coincide with the soundtrack.
SKILLS
In terms of skills, applied knowledge of equipment and application of sounds/effects will be compulsory. Alongside these, it will be useful to have excellent hearing, high attention to detail,the ability to cope with long hours and short deadlines, patience and sensitivity with colleagues, co-operation with peers and a creative mind for original outcomes. Generating applicable sounds for productions will be supplemented by having an awareness of culture, genre and audience.
SALARY
Starting technicians typically earn between £16,000 - £19,000.
Experienced technicians earn between £20,000 - £28,000
Highly experienced technicians earn up to £35,000
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
There are no necessary requirements per say, yet there are requirements for jobs in the industry that individuals must consider. Employers like to see your experience via projects you have worked on. For the industry, having a "reel" or portfolio of your work is fundamental. Having a University Degree or equivalent can also be beneficial, yet if you have an outstanding reel it can be just as effective. There are degrees that can offer good experience, such as Production, Sound Composition and Sound Technology. There are specific institutions around the UK that specialise in sound and music which can prove useful on your resume if the schools have reputation.
You can gain experience by working on student projects, (effective with University), conducting work experience or placements alongside current technicians,assisting in recording studios, setting up equipment or "rigging" for small productions and Radio experience has been commonly effective in helping your applications.Large broadcast companies hire interns for select job roles, some include the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV.
Something to work on and develop as a possible entry point, would be a social network. Networking offers many opportunities to individuals in the industry, meeting peers or people at conferences can benefit your future if you make bonds with select individuals. An understanding of software can also be developed to help your resume. Being able to use Adobe Audition for and Adobe Premiere Pro will prove useful when working alongside sound designers in the post-production process. Conveying a sense of passion in your application can benefit you massively, some employers look for passion and character in an interview rather than experience, therefore it is best to prepare for both possibilities.
further REsearch
http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/311_sound_assistant_tv
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/tv-or-film-sound-technician#what-youll-do
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/tv-or-film-sound-technician
http://www.media-match.com/uk/music/jobtypes/sound-engineer-jobs-403139.php
http://www.mediacollege.com/employment/television/sound.html