In film and television production, the on-set sound crew typically consists of three core roles: the production sound mixer, the boom operator, and the utility sound technician. The utility sound technician, or UST, is the support person for the sound department, a jack of all trades able to fill in for the other sound crew positions as needed. The UST is not only responsible for the setup and maintenance of recording equipment but acts as an “ambassador of the sound department,” coordinating and collaborating with other production teams as well as the director, producers, and production company.

Patrushkha Mierzwa, one of Hollywood’s first woman boom operators, has worked in production sound for 40 years on films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ad Astra, and the forthcoming Martin Scorsese film Killers of the Flower Moon. Mierzwa brings her decades of experience to BEHIND THE SOUND CART: A Veteran’s Guide to Sound on the Set, a book aimed primarily towards aspiring USTs and those considering careers in film and TV sound crews, as well as anyone seeking an insider’s view of the industry. A truly comprehensive career guide, the book covers every aspect of the business, from the technical (explaining the function and use of recording equipment, from microphones and cables to the different types of adhesive tape used in production) to the nitty gritty details of how productions operate, from production meetings to payroll and craft departments. A UST must be familiar with every aspect of film production, and Mierzwa offers detailed insights from a macro perspective—the responsibilities of the various departments and how they work together—as well as less straightforward issues, like what to expect when working with filmmakers and actors (being thick-skinned is a plus).

It’s difficult to imagine a question a reader might have about a career as a utility sound technician that isn’t addressed in BEHIND THE SOUND CART. Beyond the more obvious topics, such as the duties of a UST, how to get a job in the field, and how to be good at the job, Mierzwa offers advice on issues like social and political dynamics and building solid interpersonal relationships (memorize names, learn the social hierarchy on sets), dealing with difficult personalities, handling sexism on the set, and how to overcome insecurity as a novice. The book is thorough but never overwhelming; Mierzwa guides the reader through a vast array of topics with an engaging and easy-to-follow voice, and enlivens her guidance with anecdotes and examples drawn from her long career.

Patrushkha Mierzwa’s BEHIND THE SOUND CART: A Veteran’s Guide to Sound on the Set is essential reading for budding sound professionals, but with its wealth of information on sound recording, the book offers invaluable guidance for podcasters, video creators, or anyone interested in capturing high-quality audio.

~Edward Sung for IndieReader