Beneath the Boom Pole - by Patrushkha Mierzwa (Paperback)

About the Book

Beneath the Boom Pole is the only book written on boom operating, and all boom operators are performance artists. This is a focused film course offering insights into the mental, technical, social, and political aspects of the job.

Book Synopsis

Beneath the Boom Pole offers insight into the physical, mental, technical, and social skills necessary to be a performance artist, which all boom operators are. Like Behind the Sound Cart, this is not just a book; it's a film course. With the advancement of technology, enhanced camera movements, and long takes, the boom operator needs proven strategies for doing excellent work while staying safe.

Production sound is rarely taught in film schools and academic institutions; they are buried in theory and thin in the practical knowledge of actual filmmaking.

When I teach, students repeatedly ask how to boom, and from this question alone, "How do I boom?" I can tell that they think it's just a matter of having a tool and knowing how to hold it. I can't think of one instance in my lifetime when just learning how to hold something gave me the understanding of how to use it.

This book gives a complete how-to with practical examples and anecdotes to add another learning modality. Written in easy, conversational language.

Review Quotes

"This is a wonderful resource on the absolutely critical art and science of the boom operator's job" Randy Thom, Director of Sound Design, Skywalker Sound.

"You have explained a very complicated job with clarity and a touch of humor . . . a massively impressive book that I will recommend to established boom ops and newcomers." Simon Paul Hornett, UK, Production Sound Mixer?Recordist

"Everything here is so compact, so informative and engaging. Overall, it is a great book!! WELL DONE!!" Aaron "Cujo" Cooley, CAS (official policy position), Audio Department head, production sound mixer, owner of Atlanta Sound Guy.