Universal Below-The-Line Trainee: Millie Davies | Wicked: For Good

Music and magic met in one chance opportunity that changed the trajectory of a career. I had never worked in film, so for me it was quite a long shot. I did not have connections in the film world, and yet the traineeship opened a doorway into a world where musical theater and large-scale film production intersect. That beginning—from trainee to being offered the role of 2nd Music Assistant—is both practical and instructive. This is a deep look at what a music traineeship on a major production looks like, what the day-to-day work really involves, and how to move from an internship to a professional role in film music.

Why a below-the-line traineeship matters

A below-the-line traineeship is a structured way into the filmmaking machine. It is where the technical, logistic, and craft-based roles live: sound, camera, grips, electrical, hair and makeup, and music departments. For anyone coming from musical theater, concert work, or classical training, the film set will feel different. The rules and rhythms are governed by production schedules, callsheets, and a relentless focus on hitting the technical mark so the camera can do its job.

The traineeship does more than teach a job. It introduces you to the professional rhythm of a film set, gives you access to people who are at the top of their field, and offers an environment where learning is accelerated. Being in the same room as seasoned professionals and watching how they approach their work is one of the fastest ways to absorb practical knowledge. The right traineeship is both skill-based training and a long-form interview for future positions.

My starting point: coming from musical theater

My first musical theater piano book was actually for Wicked. For someone who grew up playing that score, being on a production related to it felt surreal. That background matters: musical theater training gives you an understanding of score shapes, dynamics, and how to read a conductor’s intentions. But film is a different beast. Timing matters in a new way. Crescendos must land for the camera, not just for an audience. The sound world is engineered to deliver a piece of music to headphones or speakers timed to a frame.

Coming from theater, I had strong piano skills and musical literacy, but none of the on-set experience. That was okay. The traineeship is designed to meet people where they are and teach practical workflows. What it requires from you is curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to switch hats quickly.

What a music trainee actually does

Titles can be confusing. Trainee, music assistant, 2nd music assistant—these names overlap depending on the production. But the core responsibilities are consistent: organization, documentation, playback management, and serving as the point between the music department and the rest of production.

A few concrete tasks you will likely do:

• Tracking takes — logging every take and what was used for music, including whether playback was through headphones, on-set speakers, or recorded live.
• Playback setup and checks — ensuring that click tracks and playback sessions are correctly routed for actors who perform to pre-recorded materials.
• Transporting and organizing media — making sure music stems, takes, and metadata are properly labeled and backed up.
• Preparing scores and charts — formatting charts for rehearsals or on-set reference, and making last-minute edits when required.
• Communication — relaying cues, timecode information, and changes between the music department, sound, and editorial teams.

A lot of the work feels administrative at first, but that administration keeps the creative process functioning. If the spreadsheet is wrong or a playback session is misrouted, it can halt production.

Tracking every take: the spreadsheet

One of the most important tools in the music department is a well-maintained spreadsheet. It is the single source of truth that records what happened on every take, who was involved, what audio was used, and any notes for editorial and post-production.

A practical spreadsheet will often include columns like:

• Scene — the scene number for cross-referencing with the script.
• Camera Take — the particular take number assigned by camera.
• Music Take — the music department’s numbering when multiple playback attempts are performed.
• Playback Method — whether the music was played through headphones, on-set speakers, or performed live.
• Timecode — start and end timecodes for synchronization.
• Notes — any useful commentary such as “actor stepped out of sync” or “unexpected room tone.”
• Audio File Names and Locations — where the multitrack stems are saved for editorial.

When something goes wrong—music cut early, tempo drifted, or the director called for a change—that spreadsheet tells post-production exactly what to pull, what to fix, and how to rebuild the music edit. Accuracy and clarity here save countless hours for editors and composers in later stages.

Playback: ears versus speakers and why it matters

You will become fluent in different playback modes. On-set playback can be delivered through in-ear monitors for performers, or through on-set speakers that the camera will pick up for live reference. Each mode has trade-offs.

On-ear monitors give performers a tight, click-driven experience with minimal bleed into the camera audio. On the other hand, speakers provide a natural performance environment for actors but introduce bleed into the production microphones, which the sound team must manage.

Your role is to ensure that whatever method is used is correctly documented, timed, and labeled. If the soundtrack needs to be replaced later, post-production must know whether there is usable on-set audio or whether the performance must be reconstructed from playback stems and dialogue replacement sessions.

Learning from top professionals

One of the most valuable parts of being on a major production is the proximity to experts. You are not just doing tasks; you are observing how people who have worked on countless films make decisions under pressure. That observation is a masterclass.

Stand and watch how a music supervisor communicates with the director. Notice how a session engineer sets levels and documents takes. See how a conductor or music editor negotiates tempo changes with an actor. These are micro-skills you cannot learn from a textbook.

Networking becomes organic when you are visible and helpful. People remember problem-solvers. The relationships you build on set often open future doors, whether that means freelance opportunities or direct hires on new projects.

From trainee to 2nd Music Assistant: turning an internship into a job

At the end of my internship, I was really lucky that I was offered to stay on as the second music assistant, which I obviously accepted. The jump from trainee to assistant is not automatic. It depends on several factors that you can influence daily.

How to make that jump:

• Demonstrate reliability — show up on time, be prepared, and do what you say you will do.
• Be proactive — anticipate needs before they are asked. If a playback session needs routing, set it up in advance.
• Learn fast — absorb terminology, shorthand notations, and tech workflows quickly. The faster you learn, the more valuable you become.
• Communicate clearly — keep notes concise, and make sure that handovers are clean so the next shift can pick up where you left off.
• Show passion and humility — want to be there and be open to feedback. As I said, you need to have that willingness to learn and also to work hard.

Often, people on set want to hire someone who reduces friction. If you consistently reduce friction by being competent and calm, opportunities will present themselves.

Soft skills that matter more than you think

Being musically talented is essential, but the set rewards interpersonal skills just as much. These soft skills are often what sets a candidate apart during a traineeship.

• Patience — film production is iterative. Takes repeat and changes happen. Patience keeps you focused and reliable.
• Clear listening — in crowded technical environments, you must be able to aurally discern what needs attention.
• Professionalism — a calm voice, clear documentation, and respect for others’ roles create trust.
• Flexibility — be ready to pivot from one task to another without losing accuracy.

A production can be a tense environment. People under stress notice who helps and who hinders. Choose to be the person who helps.

Practical technical skills and tools to learn

To be useful in a music department you should be comfortable with a handful of software and concepts. You do not need to be an expert in every tool, but familiarity saves time.

• Digital Audio Workstations — Pro Tools is the industry standard for film audio, but Logic Pro and Ableton may be used for certain workflows. Learn session management, track naming conventions, and basic routing practices.
• Music Notation Software — Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico for preparing charts, cues, and parts quickly.
• Spreadsheet software — Excel or Google Sheets for logging takes and coordinating metadata. Learn functions, filters, and date/time formatting to speed up logging.
• Timecode concepts — SMPTE timecode understanding is essential for syncing audio to picture and for communicating with editorial.
• File management and backups — how to structure folders, naming schemes, and redundancy strategies to prevent data loss.

Most productions have their own naming conventions. When you join, ask about them and follow them. That attention to detail saves headaches later.

Example file naming convention

A simple and robust naming scheme could look like this:

• Project_Scene_CamTake_MusicTake_Date.ext

For example, Wicked_12A_C001_M001_20230901.wav. That single filename contains the project, scene, camera take, music take, and the date. If every team adopts a similar scheme, files become self-descriptive across departments.

The daily rhythm of a music department

A typical day on set varies depending on the shooting schedule, but there are predictable elements. Morning calls, technical checks, stage setup, rehearsals, and then filming. Music departments often have to adapt quickly to the pace of the camera.

Tasks may include:

• Early morning setup of playback rigs and sound checks.
• Rehearsal support for actors, including last-minute adjustments to tempo or score.
• Logging each take into the spreadsheet and communicating changes to editorial.
• Preparing digital files for post, delivering stems and metadata to the sound and editorial teams.

You will quickly learn that the most useful people are those who remain calm and methodical. Mistakes happen; your response to them defines you.

Networking and being visible without being intrusive

People in production work long hours. Your best networking is done by being reliably helpful, asking intelligent questions at the right time, and offering to take on tasks that free others to focus on higher-level work.

Good ways to build relationships:

• Volunteer to prep materials for a session so the senior team can focus on creative decisions.
• Ask brief, focused questions after a scene wrap, rather than interrupting a live session.
• Offer to document processes you have learned to help the next trainee onboard faster.
• Follow up after your shift with concise handovers that show you are thinking ahead.

Those small professional courtesies translate into a reputation. People notice when someone makes their day easier.

How to prepare before you apply for a traineeship

If you are considering applying for a below-the-line traineeship, prepare in three areas: musical competence, technical literacy, and evidence of reliability.

Actionable preparation steps:

1. Build a compact portfolio — include a short CV, a 1-minute demo reel of relevant musical or technical work, and a brief cover letter that highlights specific skills like music preparation, familiarity with Pro Tools, or experience with live playback.
2. Study common production tools — get hands-on with Pro Tools and a notation program, and learn simple file management and spreadsheet techniques.
3. Practice documentation — create mock spreadsheets to log takes and practice writing clean notes. This practicum shows you can be precise under pressure.
4. Get comfortable with timecode — understand SMPTE, frames per second, and why sync matters in film workflows.
5. Be ready to explain your theater experience — translate theater terminology into film terms so potential employers can see how your skills transfer.

A clear demonstration that you can be trusted with small but vital tasks will make you stand out during selection.

Common misconceptions about music traineeships

There are myths that traineeships simply provide coffee runs and low-skill tasks. While early work may involve administrative duties, those tasks are where the craft and production knowledge are learned.

Another misconception is that you must already be deeply networked to get in. Many traineeships are explicitly designed to open doors for people without connections. Your growth on set comes from attitude and the quality of your work.

It is also common to assume that musical theater training does not transfer to film. In reality, the musical discipline, sight-reading ability, and sensitivity to dynamics make theater-trained musicians highly valuable in film contexts.

Stories that illustrate the job

When a scene was being shot and the actor needed multiple takes, a tempo shift occurred mid-performance because of an emotional adjustment. The music department had to mark which takes were usable, note the exact timecode where the shift happened, and provide that metadata to editorial. Because the spreadsheet was carefully maintained, editorial could easily identify the segments to stitch and the composer could determine what additional material was needed to make the performance seamless in the final mix.

On another day, an actor preferred using in-ear monitors, but the director wanted to hear the song live for a specific emotional reaction. We had to create a hybrid solution where the actor had a small in-ear feed while a low-level speaker played the performance into the room. That split setup required precise documentation so the sound team knew how to handle bleed in post. These are the types of problems a music trainee will be asked to solve quickly and calmly.

How to behave on set: etiquette that helps your career

Set etiquette is practical and a little cultural. It helps you fit in and be remembered for the right reasons.

• Be punctual and ready with tools, cables, and notes.
• Listen before you speak—absorb the rhythm of the room and ask questions that show you have been paying attention.
• Label everything clearly and leave workspaces tidy at the end of your shift.
• Respect confidentiality—films are creative works under development and discretion matters.
• Be willing to take direction and adapt quickly when someone asks you to change an approach.

What to do when you are offered a role

If you are fortunate enough to be offered a role beyond the traineeship, accept with humility and a readiness to continue learning. Taking a promotion is not only about the title; it comes with increased responsibility and expectations.

Continue to:

• Keep refining documentation practices and sharing them with the team.
• Mentor incoming trainees; teaching is one of the fastest ways to deepen your own skills.
• Communicate proactively with other departments to smooth out cross-functional handovers.

Long-term career growth in film music

A music trainee position can become the seed for a long career in film music. Paths from assistant roles include music editor, music coordinator, music supervisor, and ultimately composer or music producer within film.

To grow long-term:

• Keep up technical excellence. The more tools you master, the broader your options.
• Build a professional network that includes sound mixers, editors, composers, and supervisors.
• Make time for original creative work. Production skills and creative output together make you a unique candidate for creative leadership roles.
• Stay adaptable. Production workflows evolve with new technologies, and the ability to learn is your most valuable asset.

Concrete checklist for anyone starting a music traineeship

Print or save this checklist. These are the practical, daily priorities that will differentiate you on set.

• Arrive early and do a full system check on playback equipment.
• Confirm timecode and sync between picture, playback software, and record devices.
• Update the take spreadsheet immediately after each take.
• Label audio files with the agreed naming convention and back them up to two locations.
• Keep a written log of any tempo changes, editorial notes, or director requests.
• Ask if the senior music staff want a handover email after your shift.
• Make a short note of one learning point at the end of the day to review later.

Why passion matters

Technical competence gets you on set, but passion keeps you there. You need to want to be present and to contribute to the storytelling process. Your energy and the way you carry yourself have an effect on the whole crew. A genuine desire to learn, and to be part of the creative team, will be visible in small ways: the tidiness of your notes, the way you phrase a question, how you help a colleague at a crunch point.

“You need to have that willingness to learn and also to work hard and to show that, you know, you want to be here and you’re passionate about being here.”

Final advice to anyone considering this path

Start with openness. You might think your background does not fit the film world, but skills transfer. Music reading, rhythmic discipline, and ensemble experience all map to film needs. Be ready to take on administrative tasks. These are not beneath you; they are the infrastructure of the creative output.

Keep building relationships through helpfulness and clarity. When opportunities arise, they tend to flow to those who have shown reliability and calm competence. A traineeship is not a temporary convenience; it is an investment in learning workflows, absorbing professional habits, and showing that you can be trusted with the small details that make big differences.

If you treat the role seriously, learn quickly, and remain passionate about the work, you will be in a strong position to move from trainee to a valued member of a music department. That progression is how careers are built—one accurate spreadsheet, one well-labeled file, one calm solution at a stressful moment. Those small things add up.

Frequently asked questions

What does a music trainee do on a film set?

A music trainee handles administration and technical support for the music department, including logging takes in a spreadsheet, setting up playback systems, preparing scores and charts, managing audio files, and communicating with sound and editorial teams about music-related metadata.

Do I need experience in film to apply?

No. Traineeships are often designed for people without prior film experience. Relevant musical skills, technical literacy, and a willingness to learn are the key requirements. The traineeship is where you’ll pick up on-set workflows and practical film skills.

Which technical tools should I learn before applying?

Familiarity with Pro Tools, a notation program like Sibelius or Dorico, and spreadsheet software is highly beneficial. Learn the basics of timecode, session management, and file naming conventions. Practical experience with these tools demonstrates readiness to contribute quickly on set.

How do music trainees interact with other departments?

Music trainees coordinate closely with the sound, camera, and editorial departments. They ensure playback and timecode sync, document which takes used which playback method, and deliver stems and metadata for post-production. Clear, concise communication is essential for smooth handovers between departments.

What qualities make a trainee stand out?

Reliability, attention to detail, calm problem solving, proactive thinking, and strong organizational skills make a trainee stand out. Musical competence matters, but interpersonal skills and the ability to reduce friction on set are equally important.

How can I move from a traineeship to a paid role?

Show consistent dedication, take initiative, and develop expertise that saves time for your supervisors. Offer to document processes, mentor incoming trainees, and communicate clearly. Demonstrating that you can be trusted with increased responsibility often leads to offers for assistant roles.