Hire a A2 (Audio Assistant) in Chicago, IL
At a Glance
Assignment Desk provides professional a2 (audio assistant) services in Chicago, IL. Our a2 (audio assistant)s come fully equipped with Boom pole and shotgun mic, Wireless lav packs, Audio snake and XLR cables and operate on standard 10-hour production days. Available for corporate, broadcast, commercial, and live event productions. Book today for immediate availability.
What Does a A2 (Audio Assistant) Do?
An A2 (Audio Assistant) is the second audio technician on a production set, working under the lead audio engineer (A1). They handle boom microphone operation, run and manage audio cables, set up and strike audio equipment, manage wireless microphone packs on talent, and maintain backup recording devices. A2s are essential on multi-camera shoots, live events, and any production where the audio demands exceed what a single technician can handle.
Standard Equipment
Common Shoot Scenarios
- Multi-camera studio shows
- Live event coverage
- Panel discussions
- Concert and music recordings
- Film and episodic production
Video Production in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a major national production hub with world-class studios, a deep union and non-union crew base, and iconic locations from the Magnificent Mile to the Chicago Riverwalk. Corporate, broadcast, and commercial work drive year-round demand.
Illinois offers a 30% tax credit on production spending. Chicago's Cinespace Studios, the largest independent studio complex outside Hollywood, has hosted hundreds of TV series and features. The city's strong broadcast infrastructure (NBC, ABC, WGN) supports live event and news production.
- 30% Illinois Film Tax Credit on qualifying production spending
- Cinespace Studios — largest independent studio complex outside Hollywood
- Major broadcast hub: NBC Chicago, ABC 7, WGN, and dozens of production houses
- Iconic locations: Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, Art Institute
A2 (Audio Assistant) Crew in Chicago, IL
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Meet our a2 (audio assistant)s in Chicago in our crew directory.
Production Guidelines in Chicago
Standard Day Rate: All a2 (audio assistant) bookings in Chicago are based on a 10-hour production day, which includes setup, shooting, and wrap time.
Overtime: Hours beyond the standard 10-hour day are billed at time-and-a-half. We recommend building buffer time into your schedule for complex productions.
Local Radius: The local production zone covers a 30-mile radius from downtown Chicago (301 W Grand Ave #178). Locations outside this zone may include travel time and mileage charges.
Equipment: All crew arrive with their standard equipment package. Custom gear requests (specialty lenses, additional lighting, etc.) can be arranged with advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chicago a top production market?
Chicago combines a 30% state tax credit, massive studio infrastructure (Cinespace), a deep crew base from both union and non-union talent pools, and iconic urban locations. It's consistently a top-5 US production market by volume.
What crew roles are in highest demand in Chicago?
Camera operators, audio technicians, and gaffers are in constant demand for the city's heavy corporate, broadcast, and live event production schedules. Multi-camera crew and ENG teams are also frequently booked for Chicago's convention and sports calendar.
How much does a a2 (audio assistant) cost in Chicago, IL?
A2 (Audio Assistant) rates in Chicago vary based on project scope, equipment needs, and shoot duration. Assignment Desk offers competitive day rates on a standard 10-hour production day. Contact us at 312-464-8600 or visit our booking page for a custom quote.
What equipment does a a2 (audio assistant) bring to a shoot?
Our a2 (audio assistant) professionals in Chicago typically arrive with Boom pole and shotgun mic, Wireless lav packs, Audio snake and XLR cables, Backup recorder (Sound Devices), IFB earpieces, Gaffer tape and cable ties. Equipment packages can be customized based on your production requirements.
See our a2 (audio assistant) crews in action on recent shoots. Browse Production Stories →
Book a A2 (Audio Assistant) in Chicago Today
Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form to get started.
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