TV or film sound technician

On a production sound team, you could:

• set up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions
• select and place fixed microphones
• operate the boom (a microphone on a pole, used to get close to the sound source)
• check sound quality
• record sound onto digital devices
• service and repair equipment
• play music or sound effects into a live programme

On a post-production team, you may:

• follow a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions
• mix and balance speech, effects and background music
• edit speech to fit the action on screen
• create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack

• 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

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

You could progress from working for a small, regional company or station to working for a large, national one. You could also move into studio management.