Making room for the boom operator

The job of a boom operator is to hold the microphone attached to the tip of

a pole called the boom (often referred to as a fishpole, because it resembles

one) out over the actors (or just out of camera frame so it’s not in the shot)

and to find the best direction from which to capture the actors’ dialogue. The

boom operator works closely with the sound mixer and is usually guided by

the mixer (through headphones) as to where to point the microphone for

optimum dialogue recording.

The duties of the boom person include

  Directing the boom and mic in the most favorable position to pick up the

best dialogue recording

  Being familiar with the scenes, knowing which actor speaks next, and

pointing the microphone directly at that actor from above or below the

camera frame

  Placing hidden mics or lapel mics on the actors when it’s difficult to pick

up good sound with the mic outside of the shot (especially in wide shots)

  Setting up and testing the wireless mics used in wide shots

Wild