Boom Operator

A boom operator is someone who handles the long microphone to pick sounds without getting it in the camera frame. They are assistants to spine producers and are also known as Assistant Sound Mixers. The boom operators’ main task is to get the microphone which hangs from a long pole as a close as possible to the sound source without interfering with the camera frame. The microphone is also called as a boom mic. Boom mics use fisher boom which is a specialized stand from which the operator controls the movement of the mic. They work as freelancers and report to the Production Sound Mixers.

They are The boom operator must understand how to get the best sound quality while keeping in mind factors like where the sound source is located, the wind sound, lighting and most importantly camera positions. They need to be aware of the script so that they can work accordingly. The most important responsibility of a boom operator is to never get the boom mic into the camera frame as it is considered to be bad film making skills. Boom operators also help in positioning of cordless mics, radio or clip mics on the sound sources. They are responsible for capturing the best quality of sounds and dialogues without ruining the camera space for the actor/actress.