Intro to Sound Recording for Film & Video

$355.00

A weekend, hands-on workshop for filmmakers and creators to learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality sound for film and video.

Discover the art of capturing clean, professional-quality sound in this immersive weekend workshop designed for filmmakers and creators of all levels. Whether you’re new to production sound or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on class will teach you how to record audio that elevates your visuals and strengthens your storytelling.

Through guided instruction and real-world exercises, you’ll learn how to operate professional field recording equipment, use boom and lavalier microphones effectively, and troubleshoot common sound issues on set. The course emphasizes active, gear-based learning — ensuring students gain practical experience in capturing sound for both film and video productions.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave confident in your ability to plan, capture, and manage production audio for any type of project.

Topics & Exercises Covered:

  • Fundamentals of production sound for film and video

  • Understanding and operating microphones (boom, lav, shotgun)

  • Field recording setup and workflow

  • Monitoring and managing audio levels

  • Troubleshooting common on-set sound issues

  • Capturing ambient and environmental audio

  • Tips for working with small crews and low-budget productions

Student Experience: This is a fully hands-on workshop. Students will learn by doing — practicing with real gear, recording live scenes, and applying techniques in practical settings.

MORE INFORMATION

Location: This course will be held at our Canopy location in our White Box Studio. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.

Who Should Attend: Ideal for filmmakers, content creators, and anyone interested in understanding the essentials of sound recording. No prior experience required — this course is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced filmmakers seeking a refresher. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.

Supplies & Materials: All sound gear, microphones, field recorders, and related accessories are provided for in-class use. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and practical exercises throughout the workshop.

Prerequisites:
None. This workshop is open to all levels of experience.

Certificate:This course is part of Austin School of Film’sFilm Forward Certificate Program.

Certification:
This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.*

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

Class Session:

A weekend, hands-on workshop for filmmakers and creators to learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality sound for film and video.

Discover the art of capturing clean, professional-quality sound in this immersive weekend workshop designed for filmmakers and creators of all levels. Whether you’re new to production sound or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on class will teach you how to record audio that elevates your visuals and strengthens your storytelling.

Through guided instruction and real-world exercises, you’ll learn how to operate professional field recording equipment, use boom and lavalier microphones effectively, and troubleshoot common sound issues on set. The course emphasizes active, gear-based learning — ensuring students gain practical experience in capturing sound for both film and video productions.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave confident in your ability to plan, capture, and manage production audio for any type of project.

Topics & Exercises Covered:

  • Fundamentals of production sound for film and video

  • Understanding and operating microphones (boom, lav, shotgun)

  • Field recording setup and workflow

  • Monitoring and managing audio levels

  • Troubleshooting common on-set sound issues

  • Capturing ambient and environmental audio

  • Tips for working with small crews and low-budget productions

Student Experience: This is a fully hands-on workshop. Students will learn by doing — practicing with real gear, recording live scenes, and applying techniques in practical settings.

MORE INFORMATION

Location: This course will be held at our Canopy location in our White Box Studio. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.

Who Should Attend: Ideal for filmmakers, content creators, and anyone interested in understanding the essentials of sound recording. No prior experience required — this course is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced filmmakers seeking a refresher. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.

Supplies & Materials: All sound gear, microphones, field recorders, and related accessories are provided for in-class use. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and practical exercises throughout the workshop.

Prerequisites:
None. This workshop is open to all levels of experience.

Certificate:This course is part of Austin School of Film’sFilm Forward Certificate Program.

Certification:
This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.*

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

MEET THE EDUCATOR:

Todd Thompson is a sound engineer and professional musician with degrees in Media Production from Florida State University and Recording Arts from the University of Southern California. He holds a Masters in Media Studies from the University of Texas, where he is currently a professor for undergraduate audio production classes. His professional credits include audio work on the feature films Hateship/Loveship (Liza Johnson), To the Wonder (Terrence Malick), The Hot Flashes and The Boynton Beach Club (Susan Seidelman). He owns the Austin recording studio Dharma Bomb Studios and is also a singer/songwriter in the the Austin band The Memphis Strange.