Boom Pole Basics

To capture audio for a film or tv show use a boom mic. It’s a system of several parts that consists of:

• A light-weight telescoping Boom Pole
• A rubberized Shock Mount
• A Shotgun Microphone
• A Windscreen of some sort

Quick Tips

• Extend the boom pole as little as necessary to get the distance you need. Start with the smallest section first to minimize weight.
• Hold the boom with two hands wide apart, one at the base of the pole and the other at it’s natural position going forward. Hold it overhead in an inverted triangle with straight arms.
• Rest the boom between each take to save your arms.
• During the scene follow the action left and right by rotating at the waist.
• If you must tilt the mic back and forth use your wrists to avoid making noise moving your hands on the boom.
• The shotgun hears mostly in front, almost none to the sides, and works at a distance around 6 feet.
• Place the shotgun just out of frame overhead for most shots.
• During rehearsals move the mic around to see if it casts shadows on the set or actors.
• In windy conditions a wind screen of some sort is a must. Basic foam ones barely cut it, go for the fuzzy type.