The sound assistant keeps the sound department wired.

The job

Formally the 2nd assistant sound, you support the mixer and the boom op. You prep the kit, fit radio mics to actors (hidden with costume's help), jam timecode to the cameras, manage batteries and cables, and help run the cart.

If needed you work a second boom or playback. Some shows add a sound trainee or 3rd assistant under you.

A typical day

• At the cart early: batteries charging, radio mics checked.
• Jam timecode to the cameras with the 2nd AC.
• Fit radio mics as cast arrive, with costume.
• At rehearsal, watch for mic positions and note problems.
• During takes, monitor radio mic levels; you may boom a second mic.
• Between setups, change batteries and move the cart. At wrap, pack and charge.

Fitting mics means working close to actors, often in a costume trailer. Explain what you're doing, ask before you touch, and work with the costume standby so the mic is hidden and the costume isn't damaged.

Skills

• Fitting radio mics tactfully and invisibly, with the actor's consent.
• Knowledge of microphones, receivers, timecode and recorders.
• Booming practice.
• Organisation of batteries and cables.
• Discretion and a calm manner with cast.

Who you report to

You report to the production sound mixer and the first assistant sound. A sound trainee may work with you.

How people get in

Many start as sound trainees after audio training, or come from music, theatre or broadcast. Formal entry routes are thin, so credits and contacts matter. ScreenSkills publishes skills checklists for the trainee and second assistant grades.

Next step up

First assistant sound, usually the boom operator on UK drama.

Find out more

• ScreenSkills: second assistant sound skills
• ScreenSkills: sound trainee
• Pay: Bectu production sound rates, April 2026