First of all, congratulations on winning the July My BBI Giveaway with your cleverly positioned photo of you interviewing a founding father — very creative! To start things off, can you tell us a little about how you first discovered the world of sound and what drew you into working in film and television production?
Thank you! I'm excited to be July's winner. I am a boom op based out of Cleveland, Ohio. When I started out in the industry, though, I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just knew I wanted to be on set! I previously had a little bit of experience working in live theatre and knew the basics of sound but honestly, I had never considered what it might be like to be a part of the sound department for film and TV audio. When a really good friend of mine asked me to work as a boom op for a multi-camera reality show, I said yes because it was a chance to try something new. From that moment on, I fell in love with having a boom in my hand! The science of sound is the same across the arts, but the fine details are so different based on the project. I love the action, problem-solving, and creativity that being on location gives me. I am always fascinated to discover how much the sound is shaped by the boom op! Every day on set is so rewarding, and I can’t imagine doing anything else!
You've worked across documentary, reality TV, corporate shoots and more, what have you found most rewarding about working in such different environments?
Each location and story always presents different challenges and limitations–traffic is rushing by the set, costumes make more noise than the talent, or ceilings just aren’t tall enough. Our job becomes getting the best quality audio possible in spite of these real life situations. Oftentimes, this requires quick thinking and finding solutions in unlikely places. It is so rewarding to see your creativity in the final project! Each medium has its own set of possible problems, but this gives way to a wider net of possible solutions. It challenges your creativity and keeps you on your toes.
Travel seems to be a big part of what you love about the job, do you have a favourite location you've worked in so far and what would your dream destination to film in be?
That is such a hard question to answer. Every location I’ve had the chance to work in has been so wildly different, it’s so hard to pick a favourite! This world is so beautifully unique in how it sounds and it’s always such a blast to capture those differences. I look forward to capturing sound from wind chimes and streams. They add so much character to a space and I think they really ground projects in reality! It’s also wild to follow your ears, so many beautiful places have interesting sounds and I wouldn’t have found them if I didn’t let the microphone pick the direction. If I ever had the chance I would love to film all 3 of the world's sea organs! The sound of the tide flowing into the steps is beautiful and haunting. I’ve been fortunate to see the one in Zagreb, Croatia and honestly am kicking myself that I didn’t have a recorder with me at the time.
Production work often involves long hours and unexpected situations. looking back, what are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned on set that you wish you'd known when starting out?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned to date is to keep a cool head on set and ask questions when you don’t know something. Mistakes happen, that is the inevitable part of being human. However, it’s how you recover. It is better to learn from the mistakes you make and come back to set more confident in your new learning. I will admit, I burnt my fair share of shots. I learned very quickly getting frustrated and focusing on the mistake only leaves you unprepared.
When working on location, you often face challenges like weather changes or wardrobe issues. How do you prepare for these, and are there any tools or products in your kit that help you handle them efficiently?
The bandage section at the pharmacy hates to see me coming. I always have medical tape and Dr Scholl’s moleskin on hand to deal with any tough outfits or clothing rustle. I just got my hands on the Bubblebee Invisible Lav Covers - Moleskin and I’m really excited to try them on set well! I have to be able to deal with any issues quickly and effectively without being too invasive toward talent, my goal is for them to only see me at the beginning of the day. A lot of times there isn’t a wardrobe person to collaborate with so it’s important to build a relationship with the talent. I’m constantly talking through what I’m doing and asking for consent to touch the talent or their clothes. I’ve also found it’s helpful to find something other than the mic up to talk about.
As part of winning the My BBI Giveaway, you spent your voucher on a Green Spacer Bubble, some Lav Concealers and The Cable Saver. What made you choose these, and have you had a chance to use them on set? If not is there a future production you are looking to use them on?
I like to keep different products like The Spacer Bubble and Cable Savers on hand because you never know when you might need them. Situations develop so fast on any set that it’s better to have the gear and not use it then to be left unprepared. I’m also really excited to try out The Lav Concealers. I love them for talent mics and I can’t wait to see what they can do as a part of a plant mic! I also love to spend time on low budget Indie films. It keeps my skills sharp and also allows me to share my knowledge with other filmmakers who are learning themselves.
What's one piece of advice you would give someone just starting out in sound who wants to follow a similar path that? Something you wish you had known.
We are all still learning.
Production audio is constantly changing and growing as a department and all of us are facing different situations. Talk to people and learn from them and always be willing to share your experiences. There are so many talented people around you and the best thing you can do is to ask questions, collaborate, and encourage others in the industry.
Production audio is constantly changing and growing as a department and all of us are facing different situations. Talk to people and learn from them and always be willing to share your experiences. There are so many talented people around you and the best thing you can do is to ask questions, collaborate, and encourage others in the industry.
Whether it's quick thinking on a noisy location, maintaining a calm mindset under pressure, or keeping her kit stocked with essentials like Bubblebee products, Bailey Rogers showcases how preparation and creativity go hand in hand in production sound. Her advice offers valuable guidance for anyone starting out in the industry, reminding us that learning, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt are just as important as technical skill.
