1

This is the second in a series of discussions about roles within the sound team for new comers to the industry. A previous post is about the role of the boom operator.

I am hoping that users who have professional experience within the role of utility sound technician can explain what the job involves, as well as relay their personal experiences.

Thank you

Iain

State University, Wikipedia

Utility sound technician

flag
I've never even heard of this before. Nice one. – Andrew Spitz♦ Jun 2 2010 at 20:57

2 Answers

4

A sound utility (also know as a Third or an A3) has a lot of responsibilities.

Most of the time, he is responsible for setting up and storing the rig, laying and wrapping cables, gear maintenance, repair (soldering cables, etc..) and such. Often times he will also become a second boom op, if one is needed. He will also do runs and such for the boom op and mixer (coffee, snacks, runs to Radio Shack, etc...)

It's fairly rare to see an A3 though. Most sound teams (even on big gigs) will only use two people. Really big ones will often use 3 though, but it's pretty expensive - an A3 will make $300+ a day on a pro gig.

link|flag
question that I've wondered for a while.. who is responsible for wiring up talent with lavs? is that a sound recordist's duties, sound utility, or is it a group effort? – VCProd Jun 4 2010 at 14:04
2

everything Colin said plus keeping members of the team in silence ( Shouting ''silence please!'' some times does the trick). I've also was responsible for playback and music amplification in some gigs where I performed as an A3.

link|flag

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.