Boom Operator

Boom operator
The boom operator is the assistant to the production sound mixer on a TV show, film or commercial.

What a boom operator does: A boom operator is responsible for holding a microphone called a boom mike, which is attached to a long pole that’s placed as close to the actors or action as possible without allowing the microphone or its shadow to be captured on film.

Who relies on the boom operator: Everyone from the actors to the director to the production sound mixer rely on the boom operator to tilt or move the boom microphone as needed depending on the location, dialogue, lighting and camera position to reduce unwanted background noise.

How to become a boom operator: Study film, sound engineering or communications at a reputable college to learn the ins-and-outs of proper boom microphone placement and lifting techniques that could be useful on location.

Networking: Become a member of the Association of Motion Picture Sound – a Hollywood guild of professionals working in sound production that is open to all levels of experience, including student, affiliate and retired – and attend events that are relevant to this field.

-Dana Meltzer Zepeda