What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Lloyd states, “Prepare yourself for what the life of a beginning Boom Operator is really like.” That means a lot of time devoted to the profession without necessarily making a lot of money doing it. It takes a great deal of patience to build a resume that will translate into better hours and income. Until then, aspiring Boom Operators will likely have to make sacrifices to their social and financial lives. Show business is a bit like running off to join the circus. “You may not ever have the security of a typical nine-to-five job, but you won’t often be bored!”

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

“They think they’re immediately going to work on a hit television show or blockbuster film,” answers Lloyd. The reality is that student films and micro-budget films will likely be the majority of the productions that a beginner Boom Operator will work on. But again, with time and patience will come more high-profile opportunities. He cautions, though, that it could be several years before those projects become steady job options.

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Lloyd offers, “Is this kind of time-consuming career what I really want?” The life of a Boom Operator often means getting up at four or five in the morning to get to set on time, working a very physical 12-hour day, coming home and then doing it all over again the next day. He compares this profession to life in the military, as both demand adhering to a precise schedule and executing the role well. But for him, it’s also a hugely fascinating and rewarding profession.

Boom Operator

Expert Sources: Tim D. Lloyd

Date: February 5, 2019

Career Overview

The role of a Boom Operator is to place and hold the boom microphone to record the dialogue for Actors during a film or television shoot and to know the basics of the use of wireless microphones and recording equipment.

Alternate Titles

Boom Person, Boom Man, Boom Woman

Avg. Salary

$72,000¹

Salary Range

$37K-$121K¹

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