Sound Recordist

The Project

We're producing an intimate, observational feature documentary following three generations of Ukrainian women - two daughters and their grandmother - navigating grief, art, and survival in contemporary Ukraine. The film centers on the legacy of their mother, a celebrated prima ballerina and Honorary Artist of Ukraine.

This shoot will be part of "Movement One" of a three-year production. We're building long-term relationships with our subjects and seeking a Sound Recordist who understands the balance between technical excellence and respectful, unobtrusive presence.

Approach: Fly-on-the-wall observation, conversational interviews, environmental storytelling. Audio will be as important as visuals - we need to capture intimate conversations, liturgical environments, theater spaces, and the ambient soundscape of contemporary Lviv.

Role Description

Shortt Stuff Studios is seeking a bilingual (Ukrainian/English) Sound Recordist for an 8-day documentary shoot in Lviv, Ukraine, Oct 21st through Oct 28th, 2025. The Sound Recordist will be responsible for all production audio, including dialogue recording, ambient sound capture, and field mixing. Daily tasks include setting up and operating audio equipment (recorders, boom, wireless lavs), coordinating with the director and cinematographer, monitoring sound quality during takes, troubleshooting technical issues in real-time, and ensuring clean, consistent audio across interviews, observational footage, and environmental recordings in varied acoustic spaces.

Qualifications

A Sound Recordist who:

• Speaks fluent Ukrainian
  and
  English (essential for monitoring dialogue and understanding context)
• Has experience with intimate, character-driven documentary sound
• Can work collaboratively in a small crew (cinematographer + sound recordist + director)
• Understands documentary sound challenges: unpredictable environments, hiding lavs, working quickly
• Is comfortable working with vulnerable subjects (trauma survivors, grieving family)
• Can capture clean dialogue in challenging acoustic environments (homes, churches, theaters, streets)

Shoot Details:

• Dates: October 21-28, days in Lviv)
• Location: Lviv, Ukraine
• Primary needs: I. Formal sit-down interviews (controlled environments) II. Observational/verité sequences (uncontrolled, dynamic) III. Room tone and ambient recording
• Crew: Small, intimate production (cinematographer on A-cam, director on B-cam, you on sound)
• Equipment: Either bring your own kit (preferred) OR we can rent locally in Lviv (your input on gear selection welcomed)

What We Offer

• Competitive indie day rate (negotiable based on experience and gear package)
• All travel and meals covered
• Per diem for personal expenses
• Full sound credit on festival-positioned feature documentary
• Collaborative creative environment with director who values Sound Recordist perspective
• Potential for continued work on "Movements Two" and "Movement Three"
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful Ukrainian storytelling

Ideal Candidate

Required:

• Bilingual: Ukrainian/English fluency (must understand dialogue to monitor properly)
• 2-5+ years documentary sound recording experience
• Strong technical skills (boom operation, wireless lavs, field mixing, troubleshooting)
• Portfolio/samples demonstrating clean dialogue capture in challenging environments
• Valid passport, willingness to work in Ukraine during wartime

Preferred:

• Own sound kit (recorder, boom, wireless lavs, headphones, accessories)
• Experience recording in sensitive/intimate documentary contexts
• Knowledge of Lviv, Ukrainian film community
• Understanding of trauma-informed production practices
• Familiarity with Orthodox liturgical environments (churches, religious ceremonies)
• Interest in long-term collaboration (3-year project)
• If you have a trusted Cinematographer you work with regularly, let us know - we're hiring for both positions

Your Sound Kit (if providing)

Ideal package includes:

• Professional field recorder (Sound Devices, Zoom F8n, or equivalent)
• Shotgun microphone + boom pole
• 2-4 wireless lavalier systems
• Headphones (closed-back, professional monitoring)
• Cables, batteries, accessories
• Backup recording capability

If you don't have your own kit:
We can rent equipment locally in Lviv. Please indicate in your application that you'd prefer to work with rental gear and provide input on what you'd need.

To Apply

Send to:

Subject:
Sound Recordist Application - Ukraine Documentary

Please Include:

1.
Audio samples or reel
(documentary dialogue scenes preferred - show us your cleanest work in challenging environments)

2.
Brief bio/CV

3.
Short note
words) on:

• Why this project interests you
• Relevant experience with intimate documentary sound
• Your approach to recording in sensitive/unpredictable environments

4.
Gear list
(if bringing your own sound package) OR note that you prefer rental gear

5.
Availability confirmation
for Oct 21-28, 2025

About Us

Shortt Stuff Studios is a boutique creative studio that believes powerful stories exist at the intersection of memory, place, and human experience. We work intimately with narratives, whether character portraits or transnational visual essays, and use a cross-disciplinary approach fueled by curiosity and deep research. Our projects span film, theater, audio, and installation, ensuring each story resonates. Currently, we are developing a documentary project in Ukraine, exploring the region's historical and identity layers. Join us if your work revolves around cultural preservation and authentic human experience.