Dictionary of Marketing Terms: boom
boom
In general: marked increase or upsurge, as an economic boom or a baby boom.
Television production:
- movable, adjustable mechanical arm that acts as a support for the performers' microphone when telecasting. The boom keeps the microphone just above and in front of the speaking performer and out of sight of the camera. In this way, the volume is maintained at an even level and extraneous noise is shut out. The boom is telescopic and rests on a vertical stand. It can move forward, backward, or sideways. It can also be moved up or down, by means of a crank on the stand, and thus can cover the entire stage area as required by the action on the set.
- raise or lower the mechanical arm (boom) as in "boom up" or "boom down."
- raise or lower a camera that has been mounted on a camera crane, as in "boom up" or "boom down."
