TV or film sound technician

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - TV or film sound technicians need to understand the science of sound – how sound waves travel, reflect, and are absorbed by different materials and environments. This knowledge is essential when placing microphones, managing acoustics on set, and troubleshooting audio problems during recording.
• Music - TV or film sound technicians work closely with audio every day, mixing and balancing speech, music, and sound effects. A strong ear for pitch, tone, rhythm, and dynamics – all developed through studying music – helps them judge sound quality and create polished final soundtracks.
• Electronics - TV or film sound technicians work with microphones, mixing desks, amplifiers, and digital recording devices. Understanding how electronic circuits and signals work helps them set up, configure, and repair the equipment they rely on every day.
• Computer Science - TV or film sound technicians use digital audio workstations and specialist software to record, edit, and mix sound. Understanding how software processes audio data, manages file formats, and interfaces with hardware helps them work efficiently and solve technical problems in post-production.
• Film Studies - TV or film sound technicians need to understand how sound design, dialogue, and music work alongside editing, camera work, and narrative structure to create mood and meaning. Film Studies builds this understanding and helps them collaborate with directors and make creative decisions about how sound supports each scene.

Also relevant

• Media Studies - TV or film sound technicians work across formats – from cinema to television to online content – each with different production workflows and technical demands. Media Studies helps them understand how productions are structured and funded, so they can adapt their approach to suit each project.
• Design and Technology - TV or film sound technicians regularly set up, rig, and sometimes modify equipment to suit different filming environments. Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to work with tools and materials are useful when adapting gear for unusual locations or building custom mounts for microphones.
• Mathematics - TV or film sound technicians work with signal levels, frequencies, decibel scales, and timing when recording and mixing audio. Understanding ratios, logarithms, and basic calculations helps them make precise technical adjustments to get the best sound quality.
• Engineering - TV or film sound technicians maintain and troubleshoot complex audio systems that combine electrical, electronic, and digital components. An engineering mindset helps them diagnose faults, understand how systems connect together, and keep everything running smoothly on set.
• Drama - TV or film sound technicians need to anticipate how actors will move and project their voices during a scene. Understanding performance and staging helps boom operators follow the action accurately and ensures dialogue is captured cleanly without interrupting the actors' work.