How important is the job of a sound tech on a set?

Special Thanks for my creative friends Kevin and Clark for posing for me here.     

The role of a sound technician (often referred to as a sound mixer, sound recordist, or boom operator, depending on specific duties) on a set is of paramount importance. Sound is half of the cinematic experience; while audiences might tolerate less-than-perfect visuals, they are generally much less forgiving of poor audio quality. Here are reasons why the sound tech's job is vital:

1. **Audibility**: The most basic yet crucial job of a sound tech is to ensure that dialogue, which drives the narrative, is clearly recorded and free from unwanted background noises.

2. **Ambience and Realism**: Beyond just dialogue, capturing the ambient sound or "room tone" is essential. It helps in post-production to ensure there are no jarring silences and to establish the feel of a location.

3. **Emotional Impact**: Sound has a significant emotional and psychological effect on viewers. Whether it's the intensity of whispered dialogue or the resonance of footsteps in a tense scene, sound can amplify the emotional impact of a moment.

4. **Post-Production**: Good sound recording on set can greatly ease the post-production process. While it's possible to re-record dialogue in a studio (known as ADR or automated dialogue replacement), it's always preferable to capture it naturally on set for authenticity. Poor sound might require costly and time-consuming fixes in post.

5. **Budget Considerations**: Reducing the need for ADR, sound editing, or the addition of Foley sounds (recreated sound effects) by capturing good sound on set can lead to significant cost savings.

6. **Professionalism**: For a production to be taken seriously, it needs to meet certain standards. No matter how good the story, acting, or visuals might be, poor sound quality can make a film feel amateurish.

7. **Technical Challenges**: Every location comes with its unique set of challenges, from the hum of an air conditioner to the distant sounds of traffic. A skilled sound tech knows how to mitigate these issues, ensuring that the recorded sound is as clean as possible.

8. **Collaboration**: A sound tech must work closely with other departments. For instance, they need to collaborate with the camera department to ensure mics are not in the shot. They must also communicate with actors to ensure mics are worn correctly and to provide feedback on the audibility of lines.

In essence, while visuals tell viewers what to see in a film, sound tells them what to feel. It's an immersive tool that, when executed correctly, can greatly elevate the quality and emotional depth of a production. Hence, the job of a sound technician is not only important but indispensable on a set.