Position and operate microphones
URN: SKSS11
Business Sectors (Suites): Sound Production (Film & TV)
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
2017
Overview
This Standard is about positioning and operating microphones to capture sound. Microphones can be placed, hand held, boom positioned or pole positioned. This involves positioning microphones and their supports so that they are unobtrusive and cause minimum disruption to performance whilst picking up the best quality sound. It involves achieving an appropriate balance between sound sources and capturing sound with the required perspective, dynamic range and multi-channel information. It is also about responding to cues in a well- coordinated way and dealing with problems during operation.
This Standard will apply to anybody who is involved with positioning and operating microphones.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- determine working positions and movements for microphones during set-up and rehearsal that meet production requirements
- achieve a balance between practicality of working positions and expectations for sound quality that are most effective for productions
- postion microphones to minimise unwanted sound or noise
- position microphones and their supports so that they are unobtrusive and minimise unwanted shadows and reflections
- position microphones and other equipment to minimise disruption to, and avoid impeding or endangering, contributors and colleagues
- position microphones to achieve balance between sound sources in line with sound requirements
- confirm that final microphone positions achieve best possible quality of sound, within production and environmental constraints
- position microphones in expected working positions, and in ways that can be repeated throughout productions, noting microphone positions in case re-takes are needed
- maintain a stable image and perspective during microphone movements in line with production requirements
- capture sound which has perspective that either supports or enhances pictures, has sufficient intelligibility and dynamic range
- record positions of microphones in formats appropriate for repeated use
- respond to cues with smooth physical co-ordination, anticipating shot changes and movements of sound sources and cameras
- move microphones in a smooth, fluid and unobtrusive way, to avoid generating unwanted noise and to remain sympathetic to the mood and sensitivities of contributors
- maintain positional information whilst moving microphones
- communicate with contributors and colleagues in ways which gain their support and which minimise disruption to the concentration of others
- liaise with other crew members to minimise any potential boom shadow or reflection problems
- identify, contain and remedy any defects and malfunctions in systems and equipment during performance with minimum disruption to performance
- secure sound capture equipment in a safe way in line with production requirements when not in use
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- where to obtain information on recommended working positions for equipment or operators
- criteria and methods for evaluating working positions for equipment and operators
- when it is necessary to adjust expectations of sound quality and parameters for doing so
- the importance of audibility of dialogue especially with regards to the impaired hearing of an ageing population
- how to deal with unwanted shadows and reflections caused by the position of the microphone and its support
- what camera angles, lenses and aspect ratios are in use, and their implications for positioning and operating microphones
- the characteristics of the required sound, what the sound sources are, and what changes or movements in sources may be expected
- the cues, and how to move microphones smoothly in response to them
- the basic principles of lighting techniques in use and their implications for positioning microphones
- the characteristics of the microphones being used and any accessories, and their applications
- relevant acoustic principles, and how to apply them in the current context
- techniques to maintain stable image and perspective during microphone movement especially for stereo and 360 degree sound
- compatibility issues between mono, stereo, multi-channel and multi-track in the current context
- indicators of faults, failures and breakdowns, and how to control and contain them
- the mechanics of boom and microphone suspension
- the basic principles of picture composition, and how they apply to the shoot
- the potential for parallax errors and how to avoid or correct them
- boom tracking, and how to track to meet production requirements
- how to communicate effectively with clients, contributors and colleagues
- how to evaluate and respond positively to requests from contributors and colleagues
- why it is important to communicate in a clear, polite and persuasive way to colleagues and contributors and how to do so
- how to identify any changes required, and present proposals simply and concisely
- how to hold and manoeuvre a pole in a safe posture, within your own physical limits and in a way that is possible to sustain for potentially lengthy periods of time
- how to operate equipment like booms or poles, and maintain your own and others health and safety
- when it is appropriate to report defects and malfunctions to other people and how to do so
- production requirements for safely securing sound capture equipment
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
2
Indicative Review Date
2020
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
Creative Skillset
Original URN
SKSS11
Relevant Occupations
Sound Production Professionals (Film & TV)
SOC Code
3417
Keywords
sound; production; film; tv; microphone; balance; quality