Boom Operating Techniques

Learn techniques for the proper placement and operation of the boom mic on set

Boom Operating Techniques

Developed by Jason Tomaric, FilmSkills
ABOUT THIS LESSON
At first glance, the boom mic seems to be fairly simple and straightforward to operate. In actuality, however, it is a tricky skill that balances the ideal mic placement with the movements of the operator. In this lesson, we examine proper technique for using a boom pole to record on-set audio.
  • 23:02 video that walks you through the process of properly using a microphone boom
  • Illustrated companion guide
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
  • The various positions for a boom mic
  • How to properly place the microphone
  • Boom operating etiquette
  • How to deal with shadows and reflections
  • Communications techniques with the camera operator
  • What not to do on set
ABOUT THE LESSON AUTHOR
Jason Tomaric

Jason Tomaric

Director, Cinematographer Los Angeles, California
Jason J. Tomaric is an Emmy, Telly, and CINE Award-winning director and cinematographer of four internationally-distributed feature films, dozens of national television commercials, music videos, and the largest film training content library in the world, published author of 8 books - used in many top universities, and creator of AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform. 
 
Jason has worked in Los Angeles and around the world in over 20 countries. His clients include Disney, NBC/Universal, National Geographic, McDonald’s, Toyota, Scion, Microsoft, and Paul Mitchell, with narrative work screened at Sundance, Slamdance, and South by Southwest film festivals as well as on Netflix and on all broadcast networks.
 
Jason has taught and/or guest lectured at some of the nation's most prestigious film schools including UCLA, Columbia College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, San Francisco State, University of Notre Dame, and numerous film festivals.
 
Jason has written eight industry-defining books, all sold in bookstores, and used in film schools around the world. The American Society of Cinematographers hails Jason's books - "There are no wasted words in Tomaric's tome, which concisely summarizes each facet of the director's craft.  It's difficult to think of a step in the process that Tomaric fails to address." 
 
Jason’s DVD training series on Hollywood film production have trained filmmakers in over 40 countries, with distributors in Europe, Hong Kong, New York and Australia.
 
In 2010, Jason launched FilmSkills, which combines the world’s largest film training video library with his proprietary learning management system.  Adopted by 47 universities within the first year, FilmSkills is now the leading industry-standard training solution for motion picture and television production.
 
In 2015, Jason launched AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS LESSON
Lance Fisher S.O.C.

Lance Fisher S.O.C.

Camera Operator, "House M.D.", "Blade: Trinity", "The Shield"
Lance Fisher is a camera oerator and member of the S.O.C.  His extensive credits include House M.D., Krog, The Shield, Jonas, Las Vegas, Blade: Trinity, Paycheck, Dark Angel, Level 9, Scream 3, Godzilla, Chicago Hope, and Party of Five.
Sara Evans

Sara Evans

Production Sound Mixer, "Rush Hour 3," "Inland Empire," and "21 & Over"
Sara Evans was born on August 24, 1975 in Los Angeles, California, USA as Sara Lorin Glaser. She is known for her work on Rush Hour 3 (2007), Inland Empire (2006) and 21 & Over (2013).
Steve Savanyu

Steve Savanyu

Director of Education, Audio-Technica
Steve Savanyu is a professional audio and video production engineer with the ability to teach highly technical topics to non-technical users. Experience with event, location and live sound production, studio recording, audio and video editing, script writing, camera, directing, and other aspects of production are among his many talents.
 
Mr. Savanyu has produced, directed and edited corporate / industrial multimedia programs.  Steve uses his 30 years of sound and production experience as an adjunct professor at Kent State University’s school of Journalism and Mass Communication, teaching audio production, and as an accomplished public speaker.
 
Steve is also responsible for Audio-Technica’s educational and training programs for all market segments including studio, live sound, broadcast, installed sound, house of worship and theatre. He is also shares his expertise in sound by designing and installing systems.
 
Mr. Savanyu likes to provides technical support to end-users, contractors, consultants and reps. His previous positions include owner/operator of audio-video media production company Stonewood Studios and Director of Training/Product Market Manager at Dukane Corporation.