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TV or film sound technician
Production sound mixer, sound recordist
Sound technicians are responsible for recording the voices and background noise on TV and film shoots.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£45000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 50.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; volunteering; applying directly; specialist training courses
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in
sound engineering, music technology, media technology, electrical or electronic engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could take a college course to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a job. Courses include
Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology, Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sound Engineering, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production, T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
You may need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could start training in this job by applying for an apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. Apprenticeships include
Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3, Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Level 3, Audio Visual Technician Level 5
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
It's possible to start out as a roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and setting it up. You may then be able to learn some of the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.
Volunteering
You could look for work experience placements with larger broadcasters like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
You could also get experience by
working on student or community film or radio projects, setting up or 'rigging' sound equipment for amateur theatre or local bands, helping out in a recording studio
These are good ways to make contacts, learn new skills and to hear about job opportunities.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs but employers will expect you to have a lot of knowledge and experience in sound technology and equipment, and the science of sound.
Other Routes
You could complete a training course with a specialist course provider.
More Information
Further Information
You can get more advice about careers and training in sound for TV and film from ScreenSkills and the BBC.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
On a production sound team, you could
set up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions, select and place fixed microphones, operate the boom (a microphone on a pole, used to get close to the sound source), check sound quality, record sound onto digital devices, service and repair equipment, play music or sound effects into a live programme
On a post-production team, you may
follow a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions, mix and balance speech, effects and background music, edit speech to fit the action on screen, create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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