Head of cinema sound

Role and missions

The cinema sound engineer is responsible for sound recording on film shoots. Using microphones, avoiding all parasitic noise and controlling recording levels, he records live on the shoot, choosing the most appropriate sound recording techniques.

Under the direction of the director and the production manager, they adapt their working methods according to the constraints of the shoot and the director’s artistic and technical choices. They are responsible for the film’s sound identity.

They decide where to place the microphones and if a boom is needed, depending on the acoustic environment and the desired result.

The cinematographer works with his or her assistant(s) during preparation and filming to ensure the best possible sound quality.

Diplomas and training

The Audiovisual and Cinematographic Production Designer course offered by CinéCréatis trains you to become a cinematographic sound operator. Parallel experience in music or acoustics can make all the difference when it comes to recruitment.

Skills and qualities required

Sound engineers are first and foremost artists and musicians. Solid skills in acoustics, signal theory and music are essential.

A refined artistic culture and an excellent ear for music are also necessary, particularly for eliminating noise pollution in film dialogue.

Sound engineers must also master the digital innovations of their profession, so as to be able to adapt to new technologies.

Rigorous and attentive, they need to be able to concentrate and have a good deal of patience in the face of possible failures. Reactivity is an essential quality when it comes to replacing a recording device in the middle of a shoot, if necessary.

Meticulous in order to obtain quality sound that can be used for editing and mixing, they also adapt to the members of the team with whom they work.

Careers and career opportunities

Before becoming a film sound mixer, it is common to work as a boom operator, technician or assistant operator.

Salary expectations

Like most sound technicians, chief operators are often employed on a casual basis. On average, they earn between €1,700 and €3,400 gross per month, depending on their status, experience and the budget of the film production on which they are working.

Production manager: training and qualifications

To become a production manager, it is essential to have acquired knowledge of audiovisual economics, to have integrated the components of audiovisual production, to have grasped all the trades involved in a project… These are the concepts that the Audiovisual and Cinematographic Production Designer course offered at CinéCréatis enables students to acquire. In addition to comprehensive theoretical and practical teaching, the course includes a professional immersion programme designed to give students all the keys they need for optimum professional integration.

Qualities required to become a production manager

The world of audiovisual has no secrets for the production manager. They know everyone involved in the project, their field of action and their skills. Their financial expertise enables them to make estimates as close as possible to the needs of the production. They also have a thorough grasp of the legal aspects of audiovisual production, and are fully conversant with the applicable collective agreements and regulatory obligations to which the project is subject. His leadership makes him the driving force behind the project, and he knows how to manage stress. After all, any failure on his part could result in considerable financial loss! He also demonstrates great rigour and unfailing commitment, enabling him to anticipate any situation that could affect the smooth running of the project.

Production manager: career and development prospects

The job of production manager requires obvious maturity. Managing people, coping with situations of intense stress and maintaining an overall vision of the project are qualities that must be acquired. It is through the projects and the experience they accumulate on each production that production managers will gradually shape the rest of their careers. His successes, reputation and credibility grow as he goes along, enabling him to be entrusted with bolder, larger-scale projects.

The production manager’s salary

Remuneration can vary greatly from one world to another. For example, a production director working in the film industry is likely to be paid more than someone working on a television programme or series. We can establish a salary base starting at around €2,500 gross per week for a junior profile.