Assistant cinema sound operator

Role and missions

The sound assistant works closely with the sound engineer. They prepare all sound recording sessions. They set up the sound recording equipment and assist the sound engineer with all sound-related operations.

Responsible for supplying, preparing and checking the operation of sound equipment (microphones, tape recorders, editing and mixing desks, etc.), he or she ensures that the technical and artistic quality is good and makes all the necessary adjustments under the direction of the cinematographer or sound engineer. They are also responsible for wiring the speakers, the stage (microphones) and the control room.

At the end of the day’s shooting, they unplug, dismantle and store all the equipment. They look after and maintain the equipment.

Diplomas and training

There is no specific diploma required to become a film sound assistant. Training in music, acoustics, electronics or IT is strongly recommended. It is this grounding that enables you to stand out from the crowd and facilitate your professional integration.

More internships and film shoots provide experience and give you an idea of the job and what you can expect.

Skills and qualities required

Creative and endowed with a real artistic sense, film sound assistants must also be in good physical condition to hold a boom for hours on end on a shoot, whatever the conditions, and sometimes to carry fairly heavy equipment.

Reactive and always adapting, they know how to accompany the actors while keeping the right distance so that the boom never enters the camera’s field of vision.

Working very irregular hours, you don’t have to count the hours, and can work weekends and late nights if necessary.

Last but not least, they are team players and meticulous in their attention to detail, as there are many opportunities for error (connections, adjustments, etc.).

Careers and career opportunities

To become a film sound assistant operator, you need both artistic and technical sensitivity. Once you’ve got the job, all you have to do is prove yourself and stand out in the eyes of the sound engineers. Film sound assistants can also move into related professions such as sound engineer, editor or mixer. After several years’ experience and further training, film sound assistants can aspire to become control room managers or chief sound operators.

Salary expectations

Film sound assistants have the status of intermittent entertainment workers, alternating between periods of work and unemployment. Their income varies according to the number of days they work. On the set of a film, a sound assistant earns around 910 euros gross per week.