Sound designer

Create sound effects or soundtracks for a variety of media. As a sound designer, you might create sounds to be recorded for TV, film or radio, or live sounds using physical objects in a theatre production. You might even produce sounds to be used in video games. 

Think creatively to use different software or objects to mimic various noises. You could work in a studio imitating sounds to be used in a battle scene or use synthesizers to produce noises that a UFO might make. You might also be involved in foley, which means recreating everyday noises such as doors slamming or glass breaking.  

If you work as part of a theatre production, you’d be backstage waiting for your cue to play pre-recorded sound effects or music to create an atmosphere.  

Some sound designers are employed by companies, but many are freelance either working project to project at different venues or for specific theatres. 

What you might do:

• Recreate sounds using different objects, instruments or electronic systems 

• Be aware of everyday noises and think creatively on how they can be imitated 

• Work with a team of sound engineers, producers or directors to create audio storyboards 

• Use audio software and sound implementation systems to produce, edit, distort or mix sounds  

• Choose and layer the right sound effects and music to produce the right atmosphere 

• Ensure the audio is at the right level not to drown out actor’s voices 

• Compose and produce the right background music  

• Creative Skillset – explore the roles and the ways into working in the creative industries

• The association of sound designers for theatre

• The association of motion picture sounds (film, TV and gaming)