Sound for films

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Hello...

It seems that that most people on this group are more interested in
audio for music rather than media/films, but I may be mistaken. Either
way, you all are a knowledgeable bunch so I'll throw out my question
and solicit any and all opinions.


I'm extremely interested in pursuing a career in film sound.
Specifically, in post-production sound where various effects and sonic
textures are created to help augment the visuals. My dream job would
be to work here: http://www.skysound.com

There's something very exciting about creating audio that doesn't
actually exist in real life. For example, the sound of a
trans-dimensional particle gun being fired in the back alleys of a
moonbase.

Obviously, a team of people are working somewhere to bring these
sounds into existence and it is my life goal to be a part of that
team.


What exactly is the path to accomplishing this? I've recently
graduated from a great university (where I studied media arts) and
have been reading up on the audio industry. I realize:

-I shouldn't expect to pass out my resume to a few places and get
immediate callbacks for a position doing sound design

-Who you know is just as important (if not more important) than what
you know

-Having a degree from X university, X art school, X audio recording
school, Full Sail, etc...doesn't mean you're special and ahead of the
pack.

-Thinking you're 'too good' for an internship where you get coffee
before you're allowed to do anything cool is a no-no

-Don't have a sense of entitlement about which jobs you should be
getting

-It can (and probably will) take YEARS to get even remotely close to
the goal line

-hard work, good social skills, team effort, willingness to learn, and
humility goes much further than telling everyone what you know


In short, I'm willing to do whatever it takes and ego isn't a problem.


I do know a fair amount about recording music, but my involvement in
that doesn't really go beyond a hobby. I'm honestly not that
interested in learning music theory and how to mic studio equipment.
However, I would definately learn those things if it will help me to
become a sound designer for films.


If you all have any insight or answers, I'd be grateful to hear your
thoughts.

Thank you.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

On 2004-11-20 rcrowley7@xprt.net said:
>"LazerGumm" wrote ...
>> It seems that that most people on this group are more interested
>>in audio for music rather than media/films, but I may be mistaken.
<snip>
>If you are *that* interested in film production sound, I almost feel
>like I'm helping you to cheat by telling you something you should
>have found from your own research already. There is a newsgroup
>precisely targeted at your interest, namely...
>news:rec.arts.movies.production.sound
>There are a very large number of working professionals in that
>form and it would be very surprising if you didn't get some
>excellent responses from them if you are sincere, straightforward,
>and willing to start at the bottom of the heap.
>Mentioning where you are and whether you are willing to travel
>will also go a long ways towards soliciting help.
Amen to that. I see some calls for boom ops etc. on that group once
in awhile and learning all sorts of facets of film sound can only be
of help to you.

Btw Lazergumm if you'll shoot me an email I've an article that I found
a few years ago that I'll email you which you may find interesting. I
like the perspective of the author regarding how sound and picture
should be a unified whole which too often is not the case in many
films I've seen. However your post has already scrolled off my news
server for some reason and I only saw this post, so drop me an email
and I'll email you that article, it's plaintext so you should have no
trouble reading it.

DO check out rec.arts.movies.production.sound however. KNowledgeable
folks and I"m sure some good contacts as well as other reference info
for you there.

REgards,



Richard Webb,
Electric SPider Productions, New Orleans, La.
REplace anything before the @ symbol with elspider for real email

--



A good captain is one who is hoisting his first drink in a
bar when the storm hits.