Utility Sound Technician

The Utility Sound Technician, often referred to as the Utility, plays a crucial supporting role on film and television sets, assisting both the Production Sound Mixer and Boom Operator. They are responsible for equipment setup, noise mitigation, battery checks, and assisting with clip microphones and cables. In addition to their primary duties, Utility Sound Technicians may also function as Second Boom Operators or Second Mixers, requiring them to repair and maintain equipment, adjust personal microphones, and collaborate with various departments to address noise and set-related issues. The role demands multitasking, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of film production and sound equipment, making Utility Sound Technicians essential contributors to a smooth production process.

Professional competences:

● In-depth knowledge of film production and professional – film making’s pre-production, production, and post-production stages.
● In-depth knowledge of dialogue capture process, including single- and multi-tracking, microphone choice in different environments, synchronisation, monitoring
● In-depth knowledge of sound recording hardware, different audio recording devices and equipment, their specifications
● Basic knowledge of electrical engineering – understanding of electric chain, Voltage, Current, Resistance and Ohm’s Law
● Basic knowledge of sound equipment usage, including different microphones, recorders and their supplements, equipment usage in different environments
● Basic knowledge of live sound mixing – providing an audio signal and processing it a mixing console on set