Boom Operator
The Boom Operator supports the sound recording operations. He/She is responsible for operating the boom microphone, either hand-held on a long arm and/or dolly mounted. He maneuvers the boom microphone in tandem with the script and camera movements to ensure high quality sound capture. He needs to perform his duties while ensuring that the microphones do not negatively impact visuals of production, such as casting of shadows. After production, he is required to carry out minor repairs to sound equipment, including maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition. He is required to follow workplace safety and health standards and escalate any reports or breaches to the relevant authorities. The work involves long hours of physically demanding tasks, especially during the operation of sound recording equipment. He needs to be physically strong to operate the equipment for long periods of time. He is required to have an understanding of electronics, sound recording equipment, lighting techniques, camera angles and acoustics technology. He should have a good sense of timing, strong memory and high levels of attention to details.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Internalise elements of the script such as the characters and their lines that need to be shot
• Identify the camera’s safe zones against the shot frame by collaborating with the camera and lighting crew for planned camera
movements and lighting
• Set up sound recording equipment by collaborating with the sound crew
• Determine the working positions and movements of the boom microphone for optimal sound capture
• Position the boom microphone during the shoot
• Move the boom microphone in line with the script, character movements and camera movements while avoiding obstructions, creating
shadows and reflections
• Monitor the quality of the sound recording
• Follow workplace safety and health standards during production
• Report any workplace safety and health hazards
• Carry out minor repairs on sound equipment by following instructions
• Inspect all sound equipment to ensure it is in good working condition