SCENE 01 / LOCATION SOUND SERVICES
Location Sound Services
Professional on-set sound recording for film, TV, and commercial productions throughout New Zealand.
Here is how this works in practice. Location sound services cover the complete audio capture workflow on set, from recording dialogue and ambient sound to managing wireless systems and playback. From Wellington's wind-exposed waterfront to remote alpine locations in the Southern Alps, our teams handle New Zealand's challenging outdoor acoustic environments with robust, weather-resistant gear. A skilled location sound team makes sure each element of production audio is captured cleanly, minimizing the need for costly post-prod fixes.
Here is the short of it. We give complete location sound packages across New Zealand, with crews based in Wellington and Auckland skilled at Stone Street Studios, Park Road Post, and on location across both islands. Our team sets up crew and gear to match your production's format and scale, delivering pro audio capture that meets broadcast and theatrical distribution standards.
Capabilities
Sound Services for Every Production
We provide experienced sound teams equipped to capture pristine production audio across all formats and shooting conditions.
01
Narrative Production
- Multi-track dialogue recording
- Scene continuity management
- ADR reference tracks
- Ambient and room tone capture
- Production sound reports
Pristine Dialogue
02
Commercial & Corporate
- Interview audio capture
- Presenter and VO recording
- Product sound effects
- Fast turnaround delivery
- Multi-location coordination
Broadcast Ready
03
Documentary
- Run-and-gun recording
- Available light conditions
- Discreet equipment setups
- Natural sound capture
- Extended shoot endurance
Authentic Sound
04
Live Events
- Multi-source mixing
- Backup recording systems
- Real-time monitoring
- Crowd and ambient capture
- Live-to-tape delivery
Live Excellence
On Location
Full Location Sound Departments Across NZ Production
Here is how this works in practice. Our location sound services in New Zealand give turnkey sound departments: production mixer, boom op, sound utility (cable, comms, IFB), with full bag and cart packages including Sound Devices 833 / 888 / Scorpio / Cantar X3, Lectrosonics SRc / SMQv / DCHT and Wisycom MTP41 / MCR54 wireless, Sennheiser Digital 6000 / EW-DX, plus Schoeps and Sennheiser shotgun and DPA / Sanken lavalier inventory.
Here is how this works in practice. North Island coverage runs from Auckland's Kumeu Film Studios (Avatar 2/3 production hub), Auckland Film Studios, and Henderson Studios out to Hobbiton Matamata, Rotorua geothermal locations, Tongariro National Park, and Lake Taupo. South Island sound departments based in Queenstown and Christchurch routinely cover Fiordland (with the country's heaviest rainfall presenting unique wind, rain, and rushing-water mixing challenges), Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Mackenzie UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Glenorchy (Lothlorien LOTR), and Mount Sunday (Edoras).
Here is the short of it. Te reo Māori dialogue and classic Māori instrumentation — taonga puoro including pipi pa, hooea, harakeke flute, and the Wairoa Māori Film Festival catalogue — receive pro mic placement, with mana whenua iwi/hapū consultation for any recording on culturally major whenua under Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership duties. Howard Shore's LOTR sound design heritage at Park Road Post anchors the country's mixing custom. Avatar Way of Water's underwater performance capture at Manukau Wellington pushed location sound technique into new immersive area. We bundle Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) frequency licensing through Tait Communications (Christchurch — global radio comms manufacturer), Department of Conservation permits for conservation-estate filming, WorkSafe NZ compliance, ACC universal accident cover, and NZSPG 20% + 5% productivity uplift records routed through the New Zealand Film Commission. MEAA-Equity NZ reciprocal credentialing supports rapid trans-Tasman sound-crew rotations within the 3-hour Sydney-Auckland window.
FAQ
Our Sound Network
What's included in location sound services?
Our location sound packages have a production sound mixer, pro recording gear, microphones, and basic wireless systems. Boom operators, extra wireless channels, and specialized gear are added based on your production's complexity and budget.
What recording formats do your mixers use?
Here is the breakdown. Our sound mixers work with industry-standard recorders including Sound Devices, Zaxcom, and Zoom F-series. We deliver in all common formats (WAV, BWF, polyphonic) with proper metadata, timecode, and sound reports compatible with major post-prod workflows.
Can you handle challenging acoustic environments?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Yes. Our skilled mixers are skilled at managing difficult locations including busy streets, industrial sites, and reverberant spaces. We check location acoustics during tech scouts and recommend solutions including wireless lavaliers, directional mics, and portable acoustic treatment.
How do you coordinate with post-production?
Here is how the picture comes together. We give detailed sound reports with each shooting day, well labeled and organized audio files, and direct communication with your post team. Our mixers know post-prod workflows and record with editing and mixing in mind.
What about multi-camera productions?
We're skilled with multi-camera setups for TV, live events, and documentary. Our mixers set up timecode across cameras and recorders, manage ISO tracks for each source, and give stems that simplify post-prod.
Do you provide sound equipment rental separately?
Yes. We give standalone sound gear rental including recorders, microphones, wireless systems, and accessories. Gear can be rented with or without operator. We can advise on the right package for your specific needs.
Related Services
Productions in New Zealand that need this often pair it with Wireless Audio Systems, Boom Operators, and Sound Recordist Teams for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Multi-Camera Shoots and Stop Motion Production.
On Set
Book Location Sound Services
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend the right sound team and equipment for your needs.