How to Become a Boom Operator
Becoming a boom operator for the entertainment industry takes commitment and dedication. Boom operators work on sets all over the world; it's an exciting career where jobs are available, but it requires certain qualifications and actions to get in the business.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Learn everything you can about acoustics by researching, experimenting and mastering audio technology and its effects on the entertainment industry. Study the trade publications, sound cinema and other magazines.
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2
Make a list of facility houses where you can develop your knowledge and understanding about sound equipment, and you can gradually progress to sound trainee on a set. Know that many of these aren't located in Hollywood--there are sound stages located in Colorado, Texas, Washington and New York, among others.
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3
Contact the facility houses and tell them your goals to work in sound and become a boom operator. Inquire if they are accepting resumes, hiring or looking for a runner or production assistant of some sort, whether paid or not. Follow up each call with a letter and resume. Keep it simple and direct.
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4
Keep working in the business after you get your first position. Meet new people and hand out business cards to everyone you meet, since the film business is a very tight-knit community.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be familiar with on-the-set protocol as a sound crew member, which is learned by hands-on experience.
Film school is not required, but it does help open doors.
Attending a film school where they offer sound engineering--such as FreeSail in Winter Park, Florida--is conducive to starting a career as a boom operator because you can network with your alumni.
