What Does A Boom Operator Do?

Boom operators are responsible for the selection, placement, and setup of microphones so that the best quality sounds can be captured. Sometimes, this requires the use of wireless microphones but most of the time, boom operators use what’s called a boom mic, which is a boom pole with a microphone attached to the end of it. They must hold the microphone as close as possible to the action or to the actor who is speaking without having the boom mic or its shadow enter the frame. This makes it vital for a boom operator to understand lighting and camera angles in order to stay out of the picture.

“Film crew shooting a short in Paris, on a boat on the Seine.” by PRA, used under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Cropped from original

Boom operators must also be familiar with the script in order to focus on the right actor at the right time. Some productions may use just one boom operator while productions with larger budgets use several boom operators who are assigned to different actors. Before shooting, the director can help boom operators do their job more effectively and efficiently by “blocking the scene.” Blocking the scene means figuring out where actors are going to move “in relation to the camera.” This helps boom operators know exactly where they need to be in order to get the best sound recording from each actor as well as stay out of the shot.

“The Making Of” by Sergi Rubió, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Bonus: 6 Pitfalls To Avoid As A Boom Operator

Here are more specific details about what it’s like to boom a mic and things that need to be taken into consideration:

“6 Pitfalls To Avoid As A Boom Operator” by Aputure

In Nevada, we have boom operators with decades of experience working on feature films, indie films, television commercials, music videos, award shows, sports television programs, infomercials, and more.

If you are looking for a boom operator for your next project, check out our online Nevada Production Directory for a list of boom operators in Nevada or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you are a boom operator in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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