In short: A sound assistant, also called a sound trainee, supports the sound mixer on a film or TV shoot. They look after batteries, headphones and cables, move the sound kit, help rig radio microphones and keep the set quiet at important moments. They report to the sound mixer. One person often covers sound on a small shoot, but a drama or a boom day needs a second pair of hands.
A sound assistant, or sound trainee, is the entry-level member of the sound department who supports the sound mixer by looking after batteries, cables, kit and microphones. The job is mostly practical, but the best sound assistants learn the craft by listening closely to what the mixer is hearing.
What a sound assistant does on a shoot day
The day usually starts with the sound van and the kit. The sound assistant charges batteries, distributes headphones and looks after the cables and equipment. They unload the van, check the kit is ready and move the sound trolley, boxes and boom gear when the mixer asks.
Through the day the work follows the set:
- Mics and batteries. They help attach radio microphones and keep the batteries charged and in the right places.
- Boom work. With close supervision, they may use the boom to record background sound.
- Keep it quiet. They keep the crew quiet at the moments that matter for a take.
- Carry messages. They pass messages between departments, such as asking costume how a microphone can be hidden.
- Pack and label. At the end of the day they help pack up, label the media and hand the paperwork to the production office.
ScreenSkills also lists making tea and ordering supplies among the duties.
Who they work with
Sound trainees report to the sound mixer. They work with the boom operator and the wider sound department, and they learn the day-to-day rhythm of the set from the mixer. On a larger job the production office receives the paperwork they hand over at the end of the day.
For the roles above them, see what a production sound mixer does and what a boom operator does.
Kit and skills
The kit is batteries, headphones, cables, sound trolleys, kit boxes, boom equipment and radio microphones. ScreenSkills lists the skills as:
- Sharp listening, and the ability to hear what is wrong with a sound.
- An understanding of how sound and recording equipment work.
- Reliability, because a missing battery can stop a take.
- Good communication with the mixer and the wider crew.
ScreenSkills notes that sound assistant skills carry over into unscripted TV, commercials, corporate videos and music videos. Some people move later into post-production roles such as sound design, dubbing mixing or ADR.
How to become a sound assistant
ScreenSkills suggests building a passion for sound first, through music, DJing, live sound or radio, and building a portfolio of that work. From there the routes are these:
- Trainee schemes. Apply to the ScreenSkills Trainee Finder when a scheme is open.
- Education. Level 3 BTEC courses in sound production or music technology help, as do A-levels in maths, physics and music for university routes. A degree is optional.
- Apprenticeships. Places in film and TV are limited. A creative venue technician apprenticeship in England can build core skills before moving into screen work.
- Hands-on work. Hospital radio, student films and kit hire companies all give practical experience. The National Film and Television School runs a location sound course that ScreenSkills lists as one option.
- Networking. Use LinkedIn, ScreenSkills events and local film groups to meet crew.
- Union membership. Bectu is the union for screen crew. It publishes a sound rate card and offers advice on contracts and rates to members.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A single-camera talking head with one lav microphone: usually not. One person can run the sound and check the levels.
- A shoot with a boom, several radio mics or a drama: yes. Someone has to keep the kit working and hand the mixer what they need.
- A multi-day shoot with a lot of kit to move and pack: yes, as the job is largely the kit.
If you need sound crew with a shoot, the film crew hire page explains how crew is booked. Granary lists a sound recordist from £495 a day plus VAT, indicative.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Sound trainee (also known as sound assistant), film and TV drama job profile, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a sound assistant do on a film set?
A sound assistant looks after the batteries, headphones, cables and sound kit, helps attach radio microphones and keeps the set quiet at important moments. They report to the sound mixer and work with the boom operator.
What is the difference between a sound assistant and a sound mixer?
The sound mixer is responsible for recording the sound on set and makes the calls on levels and microphones. The sound assistant supports the mixer and learns the craft by watching, listening and doing the practical jobs.
Do you need a sound assistant on a small shoot?
Not always. On a single-camera talking head, one person often covers sound and camera. A sound assistant helps on a drama, a shoot with a boom or a day with several people wearing radio microphones.
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