Location Sound Recording For Film And Television MA

Become a professional in a field actively seeking out the next generation of talent.

The MA in Location Sound Recording for Film and Television is a comprehensive program designed to prepare you for a career in location sound recording, both on location and in a multi-camera television studio. The course has been designed to meet the industry's growing demand for highly trained sound crew for film and television productions.

Course Outline

Taught exclusively by Industry professionals, this course will give you high quality training in the theory and practice of recording sound for picture, both on location and in our state-of-the-art 4K multi-camera television studio. You will also get vital production experience, as you collaborate with fellow students in other specialisms to make several films.

Upon completion of this course, you will be well-equipped for a variety of careers in the film and television industry, starting as a Sound Trainee and progressing to 2nd Assistant Sound, 1st Assistant Sound and then Production Sound Mixer.  

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of sound and audio equipment.
• Operate professional location sound recording equipment effectively.
• Capture high-quality audio in various on-location settings.
• Collaborate with film and television production teams.
• Troubleshoot common sound recording issues.
• Adhere to industry standards and best practices for location sound recording.
• Demonstrate professionalism, communication, and teamwork skills in a production. 
  
  

Course Facilities

We offer access to industry-standard sound location recording equipment, using the latest technology, such as Sound Devices multi-track recorders, including the 888 and 688 and radio microphone systems from Audio Ltd and Sennheiser. Plus, you'll have access to an extensive suite of microphones for all applications and Sennheiser IEM systems for production sound distribution.

What You'll Study

Introduction to Sound 

• Basics of acoustics
• Sound propagation and reflection
• Audio physics and terminology
• Practical exercises and demonstrations
  
  

Audio Equipment and Technology 

• Overview of audio recording equipment
• Microphones, and mixers
• Wireless audio systems
• Recording media and formats
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
  
  

Location Sound Recording Techniques 

• Pre-production sound planning
• On-set audio setup and monitoring
• Boom operation and microphone placement
• Field recording and soundscapes
• Noise reduction and sound isolation
• Working with directors, producers, and other crew members
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Understanding the script and project requirements
• On-set etiquette and professionalism
  
  

Industry Standards and Best Practices 

• Safety protocols on set
• Industry regulations and unions
• Networking and career development
• Practical application of skills on real-world projects
• Internship opportunities with industry professionals
• Portfolio development

Entry Requirements

You will need a proven interest in sound - particularly recorded sound - a lively interest in film, television and music and a willingness to work as part of a team. We are looking for people who are practically minded and who have a good general education although there are no specific educational requirements for this course. Interpersonal skills are as important as practical ones, because as a sound recordist, you’ll need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. You’ll also need to be fit and have plenty of energy, as sound recording can be physically demanding.

While we don’t select applicants on the basis of their ability to drive, we strongly recommend that you learn to drive, as a clean, current, driving license will be essential in your future career. 

While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification.