Summer Internship Questions

[ClaySchmitt]

This summer I have an internship with Gray Martin Studios in Santa Monica. You can check out their website, its pretty nice. I have two questions that I can't seem to find information.

1.) While being interviewed for my position, I was asked how good my protools chops are. I am very confident in my ability and speed. I am protools certified on almost all levels, with extensive experience in surround blah blah. Mentioned that I need to know how to "split tracks". Now I assume this is either a term of arranging dialog into a DIAL AUX track
, or has to do with splitting the signal path into an aux for reverb or discrete channel sends. Anyone have a better idea of what he means by "splitting tracks"?

2.) I am unsure how digidelivery works and don't have the time to download the pdf and read. Can anyone sum it up for me? It doesn't sound too complicated. Just an independant FTP? I don't know much about FTPs yet.

Thanks guys!

[soundguydave]

Generally split tracks is just the composite mix split out into submixes. It can go very deep or very simple. Sometimes it could be as simple as Dialog, SFX and Music. Sometimes it could be Announcer, Sync, Foley, Ambience, Music. Sometimes its with reverb and effects, sometimes not. Just be prepared to know how to bus everything to achieve all this.

I've never used digi delivery, but my understanding is its a way to transfer protools files and media, as well as work on them with other people across the country. I'm sure you can download the manual from digi's site. If its something that the company uses extensively, I recommend learning as much as you can before you show up.

Another note on internships from my experiences. Don't expect to do much in the way of sessions. I'm not sure how this facility operates, but I know that I would never put anything critical into the hands of an intern until I really trusted them. I'd be hesitant to even let them touch the main protools system until I know who they are. Also, as much as you think you know, the engineer knows a lot more. Don't offer opinions on subjective things like sound design or music choices unless asked. Nothing is worse than sitting in a session with a client and you're putting in some SFX and the intern offers an opinion on what he thinks. Then the client who two seconds ago liked what you were doing, suddenly has a different opinion. Just be very respectful and don't step out of bounds.

[TWoZ]

Sometimes people aren't asking what they're asking (if that makes sense.)

Perhaps you would have been better served by posing your question back to the interviewer.

There are times when we will ask questions just to see what the prospective person will say -- for instance, knowing full well that a person fresh out of school doesn't know much, we will ask some tough questions and (generally) listen to them weasle their way around/out of them. Very few people ever think to say "I'm sorry, I don't know that. But I can find out." .. those few are the people we bring in. We aren't looking for the intern who knows it all. No one does.

As far as digidelivery goes, it's very simple. You upload to digis server (via the digidelivery software with a username and password) and a link to the file is sent to whomever you want through any email system. They click the link (or copy/paste) and download the file(s) ... very easy to use.

And I completely agree with Dave up there. A good intern is seen and rarely heard. Questions are ok, but only in times when ... well .. they're ok. You'll need to figure that out.

[ClaySchmitt]

Thanks a million guys.

I understand the whole busing and signal flow thing pretty well. We covered it extensively in surround sound class. My understanding is elements.predubs.stems.printmaster. Some predubs routed through Aux effects channels. Is this still the typical workflow or have we evolved a bit?
<stems><stems>
I worked my way through the digidelivery manual. It's cake, and I think that is the purpose. Very user friendly and compatible. awesome.

Its my understanding that speed is just as big of an asset as quality. Any tips you guys want to give? I'll be working on a Pro-control and I know the short cuts fairly well. Any preset assigning you guys do to save timing I should know about? I will probably be editing dialog and effects.

After being in classes with "know it all"-"tell it all" kids and I agree Dave, seen and not heard is the way to go. I can't stand it when kids spew off "no kidding" answers and waist your time. I typically hit it off well with people so hopefully this will not be an exception.

This being my first time working on the west coast what suggestions do you have in the way of networking? I already have friends in the business out there but I don't want to limit myself. I will be working from 10-6 monday through friday. I have heard working at a rental house is a good way to meet production people. Do you guys have any other suggestions? I would kill to sit in on some music recording sessions if any of you out there are willing.


Thanks again</stems></stems>

[dr.sound]

Clay,
Congratulations on the job. Rich Gray is a great guy. You will learn a lot.
Watch, learn and listen. You will be in Santa Monica so if you want to get another job (which I discourage) stay on that side of the hill

[introvert]

My only advice for speed on PT is to use the keyboard or control surface as much as possible. The mouse is what will slow you down. If you can do 90% of your functions without using a mouse, you're on the right track.

And what everyone else has said is fantastic advice. Be quiet, don't make suggestions unless asked, etc. If you can get the balance right and be a solid intern, you stand to learn a LOT.

Congrats on the gig man.

[soundguydave]

Congratulations on the job. Rich Gray is a great giuy. You will learn a lot. Watch, learn and listen. You will be in Santa Monica so if you want to get another job (which I discourage) stay on that side of the hill

Whats wrong with Santa Monica?

[dr.sound]

Soundguydave,
I didn't say anything is wrong with Santa Monica! What I meant is focus on your day job. If you have to travel at 6:00 pm to the valley for job #2 then you will be late. That's all!!!
Once again focus on job#1.

[TWoZ]

"Whats wrong with Santa Monica?"

The first day I was here, an old homeless lady walked up to me .. looked me in the eye .. and burped the loudest burp I've ever heard. And mind you, I come from a long line of drinking pals. Oh, and it smells like pee in alot of places. And a sound supervisor friend of mine got car jacked and had all of his field recording gear get shot up in the trunk by the police. And the beach is dirty and smelly. Other than that, it's great.

Marti speaks the truth. Focus is so important. I'm sure you'll keep your head together. But, sometimes it gets tough when you're interning and working a job.

Congratulations on getting the internship. Hope it pays off in spades for you.

[soundguydave]

Originally Posted by dr.sound

Soundguydave,
I didn't say anything is wrong with Santa Monica! What I meant is focus on your day job. If you have to travel at 6:00 pm to the valley for job #2 then you will be late. That's all!!!
Once again focus on job#1.

Ah. I'm from Chicago, so I'm not as familiar, although I have been considering a move out there for some time. I know Santa Monica has a lot of great commercial post houses.

[introvert]

Sometimes I'm glad I don't have to work in California :)

[ClaySchmitt]

Can anyone take any stabs at my most recent questions? Or was that too many at once? hahah

Thanks again guys...

[soundguydave]

Originally Posted by ClaySchmitt

Can anyone take any stabs at my most recent questions? Or was that too many at once? hahah

Thanks again guys...

I wouldn't worry too much about it. You are obviously well prepared. Don't expect to walk in and have to know everything, your employer won't. Just enjoy the experience and work and hard.