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Playback Operator

Provides music/action playback on set for performance and sync — UK Sound grade; confirm title on the call sheet and deal memo.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Prep playback tracks and click
• Run playback to cue
• Liaise Sound Mixer, Choreographer and Script
• Log takes and versions

Reports to

Production Sound Mixer or Music dept as briefed

Works with

Mixer, Choreographer/1st AD, Camera, Editorial for sync refs

Career path

Sound Assistant → Playback Operator

Day to day

Load cleared tracks; hit playback cues with 1st AD; log takes; feed reference to camera/video village; protect loudness for neighbours.

Call times

Sound generally matches unit call; lav wiring can pull cast (and sound) earlier. Wild tracks and quiet windows often extend past picture wrap.

What to wear

Quiet blacks; soft-soled shoes; radio pouch; weather layers; avoid noisy nylon fabrics.

Tools & kit

Personal boom/headphones soft goods as agreed; mixer kit often package deal — confirm kit fee vs labour.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• QLab / Ableton / DAW playback
• Pro Tools
• Shared Drive track folders
• Sound Devices / Zaxcom / Lectrosonics ecosystems
• Wave Agent / metadata tools
• MovieSlate where used
• Frame.io notes as issued
• ChatGPT for lav/character planning lists (mixer approves)

Related roles

Production Sound Mixer, Sound Assistant / Utility

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