Audio / Dubbing Assistant
Audio or Dubbing Assistants are employed at Audio Post Production Houses which create, edit and mix sound, or at Post Production Facilities Houses which provide complete end to end services for off-line, on-line and non-linear editing, visual effects, and DVD production to the independent, corporate and broadcast media sectors. Post Production involves creatively weaving together visual and audio materials shot or created during the production process, and combining them with other media, graphics, effects, subtitles, archive footage, etc., to create a variety of final products including broadcast programmes, DVD titles, corporate productions, etc.
Audio or Dubbing Assistants assist with gathering, selecting and mixing the dialogue, music and effects which ultimately create the final sound track for a variety of productions. They carry out a very similar role to that of Edit Assistants, but specialise in audio rather than picture editing functions. Some Post Production companies have their own audio dubbing facilities, but most rely on Audio Post Production Houses for audio processes.
What is the job?
Audio or Dubbing Assistants manage the preparation and maintenance of all audio suites within facilities houses, and assist in voice over recording and audio conforming . They locate the appropriate musical effects, based on editor and client selections, and order them from libraries. They log and store tapes, record and file reports, and print out labels. They also import relevant music files; track lay and provide spot effects, and carry out general troubleshooting in audio suites. They work closely with both Picture and Sound Editors, and with Edit Assistants.
Audio or Dubbing Assistants must know the best methods of locating and supplying effects, music and other sourced material, and must understand the workings of voice over recording studios. They must be aware of the importance of unambiguous labelling of every frame of each project, using roll numbers and time-codes that conform to recognised industry practices.
Audio or Dubbing Assistants must be familiar with the audio and dubbing systems within each facility, and must also be able to solve any basic technical problems which may arise before or during dubbing and audio track laying; they also need a keen understanding of the operation of edit suites. They must be able to identify what is acceptable for which format, and understand the technical specifications for different broadcasters. They should understand compression technology, audio and video; the operational support required for audio suites and the requirements of their technical aspects; and must be able to operate, patch and un-patch equipment, and recognize faults. They need excellent client facing communication skills to ascertain clients' needs, and provide solutions. They and should understand fully the implications of their decisions and actions, keeping accurate and detailed records.
Typical career routes
Audio or Dubbing Assistants may begin their careers as Runners, ultimately progressing to become Dubbing Mixers, Foley Editors, or Sound Editors. An interest in audio is usually identified early, and those who take this career route rarely become involved in picture editing. The average expected job span in this role is two years.
Essential knowledge and skills
Audio or Dubbing Assistants must possess relevant IT skills to digitise media, and make copies, and to move media around facilities. They must be familiar with the systems and equipment, and should be able to solve any basic technical problems which arise before or during sound Post Production.
Key Skills include:
- advanced IT skills;
- effective team working skills;
- excellent communication skills;
- a high level of organisational skills and precise attention to detail;
- initiative and problem solving skills;
- diplomacy and sensitivity when working with clients;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no specific qualifications are required for the Audio or Dubbing Assistant role, any related vocational degree or qualification is valuable. The National Film and Television School offers industry recognised short courses for all grades. Personality and communication skills are key at entry levels.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Post is the trade body for Post Production;
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel;
- British Film Institute publishes Sight and Sound;
- Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS), publishes the AMPS journal;
- The Institute of Broadcast Sound (IBS); publishes Line Up
- The Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS);
- The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE);
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes Image Technology;
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry;
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry;
- Audio Post Production for Television and Film - Wyatt & Amyes - ISBN 0-240-51947-7
- Sound for Film and Television - Tomlinson Holman - ISBN 0-240-80453-8
- PC Audio Editing - Roger Derry - ISBN 0-240-51697-4
- PC Audio Editing with Adobe Audition 2.0 - Roger Derry - ISBN 0-240-51969-8
- Nonlinear Editing Basics - Steven Browne - ISBN 0-240-80282-9
- Video Editing and Post Production - Gary H Anderson - ISBN 0-240-80337-X
- Digital Editing with Final Cut Pro 4 - Mamer &Wallace - ISBN 0-941188-91-4
- Digital Nonlinear Editing - Thomas Ohanian - ISBN 0-240-80225-X
- Editing Digital Film - Jaime Fowler - ISBN 0-240-80470-8
All books available from: http://www.focalpress.com/
Glossary
Linear : Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
Non-Linear : Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
Audio conforming: digitally transferring audio media in preparation for mixing.
Patching: Ensuring that the correct signals go to the right destinations, by consistent and accurate identification and placement of cables.
Download:
Audio_Dubbing Assistant - Post Production
If your computer has the relevant software, click the document icons or document titles to view the relevant document. Right-click (PC) or hold your mouse-button down (Mac) on the document icon/title, you'll be given the option to save the file to disk. If you don't have the necessary software to view the documents, take the above links to download free reader programs.
