Career Advice

[Nicola_W]

Hey there

I would like any advice you may have regarding the best way to approach and market myself with audio post production companies. I am currently in the middle of a degree in sound engineering and design and this summer I will be putting together a show reel/portfolio of work. I am taking my exam/hoping to gain my Pro Tools 110 in September.

During my course I would really like to carry out any freelance work and/or employment with an audio post production company.

Any advice, hints or tips that you may have would be very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Nicola

[TWoZ]

I don't know where you live, but I'd say move somewhere with alot of work -- like los angeles, ca.

To build up credits, I'd suggest craigslist -- although, do not work for free. These lower budget films think they can get their post sound for free.

Free work = no food or rent

Just my two cents.

[introvert]

I'd say buckle down and go intern/assist at a busy post house. That's what I did (at GTN in Detroit), and the experience was absolutely invaluable.

[Henchman]

I agree with TWoz.
Location is everything.

Where do you live?

[Nicola_W]

I live in Manchester UK - sorry, I should have mentioned that in my first post

Doing an internship abroad is not something I would rule out though, if it was going to be very beneficial.

[brucie]

Hi There Nicola,

Nice to see some one else from Manchester on here! You are right that there aren't as many opportunities up here, but that could all change as the BBC new media centre is moving to Salford Quays in the next couple of years. Having said that, there are a number of things you can do, you don't say explicitly what your interests are (sound design, SFX creation, sound editing etc), the reason I ask this, is because there maybe other opportunities working in areas such as computer game sound design, website and new media companies etc. If this is the case, then you will find that there are a number of companies around the Manchester area and in the North West. Failing that, there is also London. But London is expensive!! So if you have financial back up, I would suggest contacting all the places in London, but failing that I would say it is tough working in London and trying to live at the same time.

It may also be worth contacting all the local film makers (and plenty of student film makers in Manchester) and building a strong showreel working on low budget productions (plus you have the current benefit I assume of using your Uni's studios, which means that your out lay out be minimal.)

If you have any more question, please just shout.

All the best

Neil

[Michael Cardillo]

Internships are great - especially if it's someplace you would like to work. That worked out for me. As I was finishing school, I targeted the top post facility is the SouthEast US and worked for free for two months (summer semester). When they had an opening, I was their number one pick because I had proven that I'm a good worker and care about the business. I started at the bottom, but moved up quickly.

Here's my number one tip (from one who's been there): There is no substitute for years of every day experience. You may actually know more technically than many of the pros that you'll work with, but you need to be extra careful not to be the newbe who knows. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. As an intern, you need to have ten ears and one mouth and you'll go places. I have a great deal of respect for university educations, as mine has really helped shape my capability in this industry, but be sure to respect the experience of others as well as the experience you'll gain in the next 5-10 years and make the most of it.

Tip #2: Increase your knowledge of other skills from video editing to web design and programming. It can only help you down the road.

Tip #3: Put your resume and demo online. Get a website for yourself, put a link to it in your signature on boards like this, list it at the Audio Post directory and any free classifieds you can find that are industry related.

Best of Luck!

[Nicola_W]

Thanks guys. Very helpful advice.

The university I am at has a large computer games development department and a smaller video production department. I am going to send an e-mail around today and make a few posters to dot around the departments/uni. Ditto with the other universities in Manchester (I am at Bolton uni).

At the moment my interests lie in score/special effects for computer games and film - both interest me greatly. At the moment I have been putting sound effects/score to computer game clips and film but I need to do a LOT more expecially now I have more skills!!

I'll get cracking this summer with an internet site too.

Again, thanks a lot guys and if you have any more advice - I would be very grateful!

[santacore]

Here's my number one tip (from one who's been there): There is no substitute for years of every day experience.

Michael said it right there. Basically find a good post house you feel you would like to work at. Push for an internship until you finally get in. Be extremely responsible, respectfull, and work your butt off. Once you get the real world experience combined with your technical chops you will find that you're valuable. It's not enough to just have technical skills. The bottom line is you need to show that people can trust you and that you're the guy they want to work with for 10 hours a day. Achive that and your on your way. Good luck!