When it comes to Production, Boom Operators and Sound Utility Technicians are a pivotal part of the production sound team. Both have their specific skill sets, and Noel Espinosa has mastered them both. It is all about being proactive and doing your best to stay in the moment of each scene to know what is going on at all times. Here are a few key points to having a successful Boom Operator and Sound Utility Technician relationship on set. The better the relationship, the better the soundtrack.
Attacking the Scene
Blocking rehearsals are pivotal to a Production Sound Team. The Boom Operator and Sound Utility should be present so they can talk logistics. This is literally the first moment the team has to work together, figuring out what procedures and tactics are going to be implemented.
Blocking rehearsals will tell you how many actors are present as well as their actions. After the blocking rehearsal, make sure to huddle up with your sound mixer to discuss everything that needs to go down to record the scene. Listen to everything before giving suggestions until you know and understand how your team works. Most times, sound mixers and boom operators will discuss the process and instruct the sound utility what to do, while other times the team will make decisions together as a whole (preferred).
Boom Operator Re-Rates
As a Sound Utility, you are required to step up and boom when the scene requires it. Sound Mixers love having two microphones overhead. This allows them a much easier mix that will match the perspective of the room. On some shows, you will be wiring all talent and never booming. Other shows will have you booming every scene and re-rating to the Boom Operator rate for the day.
As a Sound Utility Technician, I cannot stress how important your boom operator skills are. Having to work all the Sound Utility responsibilities while also keeping an eye on the set while can be difficult. It is so advantageous to map out your booming requirements early rather than running in at the last minute. Know where you are going to be BEFORE you are needed. In fact, I like to put my Boom Stand close to the set so I can run in with it easily.
Where to go from here…
If you like this type of content, then VideoMantis.com is your one-stop-shop for Education. We highly recommend you take a look into our Boom Right Masterclass with mentor Ken Strain, as well as How to Put a Microphone on Talent taught by Thomas Popp, the creator of this site.
