The Importance of a good sound department

With Sound becoming more recognised or so it seems. I want to explain what each crew member does and how they benefit a production to make the day on set and in time the viewers enjoy the project more and more. And in the process saves money down the line in post.

Production Sound Mixer

The Production Sound Mixer is the HOD (head of department) and the leader of the department. Just as the DOP (director of photography) all department member go back to this member for a green light (Yes or No) of what to do or as asked because they are who gets hired by production first and who gets most of the acknowledgment from awards, production, producers etc. They are the one that adjust the actors radio packs volume during the takes (Fade in and out), same with the boom volume or tells the other sound members to do this and that for cleaner sound and in final edit make sure it sounds clear and perfect for the viewers enjoyment and makes the editors job easier. They also buy and own all the sound equipment for the shoot so know how to make sure everything is perfect and running smoothly. If something is wrong or changes off set, they are the first to know and tell there team about it.

Boom Operator (1st AS) Assistant Sound

This Boom Operator or these if they have 2 on set are the same as the camera operator. They are the eyes and ears on set, they stay on set, listen to the director, DOP and camera operator to let the crew know what is happening and what may need to change whilst the lighting and camera department change setups. They are the KEY BOOM, they capture the on camera lines, they tell the other sound department members what is needed, what is happening and guide the other members for a happy a smooth day... as smooth as things can be. They are usually the second person to be hired but they are chosen by the Sound Mixer and know the mixers kit almost as well as the mixer themselves. They also help the 2nd AS radio mic if needed and when required.

2nd Assistant Sound (2nd AS) Sound Maintenance

The 2nd Assistant Sound is the radio mic technician, the preparation tech, the 2nd boom operator if only 1 1st AS. They are the same as the Focus Puller. They prepare the radio mics for who is wearing them, decide what mic is needed depending on the costume, where the radio pack is being placed subject to the costume and the actors request which does sometimes happen. The also get the offlines ie the lines not quite on camera (over the shoulder shots), sometimes on camera shots depending on how many cast are on camera. They prep the IEM's headphones if the 3rd is busy or there isn't one, these are for the director, producer(s), focus puller, script supervisor and any other random person that decides they want some but usually doesn't listen anyway. They also train up the 3rd AS (Sound Trainee).

3rd Assistant Sound (3rd AS) Sound Trainee

These are becoming more and more important members of the sound department and are the same as the Clapper Loader & Camera Trainee. They are the eyes and ears of off set activity, find the actors who are not on set yet. give out iem's headphones. If the 2nd AS is on set, the get told to prep radio mics once taught by the 2AS and are effectively the sound department runner and sometimes step up to off line duties if needed. They also make sure all old batteries are charged and ready to go as and when needed.

So with that said, next time you are watching a program or crewing up for a project, keep in mind what is required when a sound mixer ask's for this many. They are all important roles needed to make a shoot run smoothly, fast and accurately to same money in post and avoid possible reshoot days and or second unit days.