Studio Interns... how to prepare?

[limestone]

Hey guys,

My business partner and I have been running our studio / production house for about a year now, and need an extra hand. We however don't have the dough to pay for an experienced assistant.

So we decided to have some of the many eager 'Audio school graduates' (read ex-SAE students) inquiring about jobs or work experience come in for an interview, so we can have a couple of them do work experience on rotation.

My questions are:

- What are the risks involved in doing this? Have you guys had any bad experiences with interns?

- We start work on a pretty big international project soon, and don't wanna end up having rough mixes appearing on limewire all of a sudden. To 'prevent' this, is it smart to have the interns sign a confidentiality agreement? If so; what should be in it?

Thanks in advance,

Louis

[A27Hull]

"- We start work on a pretty big international project soon, and don't wanna end up having rough mixes appearing on limewire all of a sudden. To 'prevent' this, is it smart to have the interns sign a confidentiality agreement? If so; what should be in it?"

Definitely a concern, keep interns away from rough mix copies, make them sign agreements, erase or password protect your hard drives, and keep an eye on them.

Most likely, they wont be able to handle anything of great responsibility, so you may not have to worry too much. Keep them in the background unless needed for specific tasks.

I don't know what sort of legal jargon such an agreement would need, but as long as the agreement makes it clear that the intern can be held responsible for "leaks" and that in a case involving alleged leaks, the interns are the first to go, no questions.

Although, I would think an equally dangerous aspect of studio recording is the other folks involved in the session, i.e. producer(s), artists, artists' girlfriend/boyfriends, and groupies. I mean, most producers and the like are going to be on the "team," not wanting to spoil their potential income. Some people are just sneaky, ophidia in herba. And then again some people are just careless.

I guess it can be a difficult situation to explain the dangers of leaks to people, especially when they are paying clients who are professionals, chances are that they understand the real danger. But IMO there has to be an understanding about this topic between everyone involved. By now, we can see the direct effect the internet has on a product that is not bound by tangible mass. Its not just a myth, and people, not just superstars, lose bread.

Maybe consult a legal advisor to see what kind of language you can get away with.

Michael probably has some good input on this.

Andrew

Chuck Norris and Mr. T walked into a bar. The bar was instantly destroyed, as that level of awesome cannot be contained in one building.

[limestone]

Thanks, mate. It's a tough matter to consider. It's just sad to have to consider it in the first place. But hey: better safe than sorry!

On this particular project me and my business partner will be producing, engineering and playing most of the instruments. The artist is completely trustworthy. The only 'liability' would be the assistant.

We mostly need an intern because I love working completely mad hours that my business partner can't really handle. It's a bit tough recording drums on your own; can't really be in two rooms at the same time! So I guess I'll just have to cover my bases very carefully.

This is our first 'major' project, and I don't wanna screw it up!

So; if anyone else has any suggestions, or maybe a template Studio Confidentiality Agreement, I would love to hear from you, and I would be forever grateful!

I think just the fact that they have to sign something will set the threshold a lot higher for anyone to step out of line.

Thanks again,

Louis

[Jamz]

Agreements...I advise seeking out an attorney.

I general many interns are eager to share their knowledge and look forward to jumping into the mix. Pun intended. Make sure you are clear with them concerning studio policies and etiquette before they enter a session with clients. Last thing you'll want is an overzealous intern offering production advice directly to your client.

[mjlaudio]

Little breading, some of emerils spices. Maybe some ketcup sometimes. Ive heard some studios boil them but Ive never tried it. Sorry couldnt resist

[limestone]

LOL! Haha...