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

Production Operations
Proficiency Level
Follow instructions on executing production operations by ensuring availability of cast, crew and resources as per requirements.
1
Sound Recording Operations
Proficiency Level
Customize sound recording set-up to capture sound in multi-faceted recording environments.
4
Workplace Safety and Health
Proficiency Level
Comply with Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) policies and procedures by following safe work practices, workplace emergency response procedures and risk control and participating in WSH management activities
1

Generic Skills & Competencies

Communication
Proficiency Level
"Negotiate with others to address issues and achieve mutual consensus."
Advanced
Interpersonal Skills
Proficiency Level
Influence, guide and handle others’ emotions to build instrumental relationships and manage conflicts and disagreements.
Advanced
Problem Solving
Proficiency Level
Anticipate potential problems beyond the current scope and apply higher order problem solving tools and techniques to turn problems into opportunities.
Advanced
Resource Management
Proficiency Level
Use resources to ensure optimum and efficient use of resources.
Basic
Teamwork
Proficiency Level
Establish teams, design and assess tasks to continually improve team effectiveness and cultivate a sense of organizational ownership and a cooperative working environment.
Advanced

Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks

Prepare for sound recording operations

• 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 

Record sound during shoot

• 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

Maintain sound equipment

• Carry out minor repairs on sound equipment by following instructions
• Inspect all sound equipment to ensure it is in good working condition

More Information

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