Getting into sound for video (any aussie sound recordists out there?)

S

Stiffman

Member
Hi, I'm wondering if there are any sound pro's in the forum? ones from Australia would be even better!

I'm looking at getting into sound recording for video, and looking to get a feel for things.

I'm under no disillusion that this will be a quick or cheap or easy process.

So, I guess one thing I'm wondering if there is enough work out there to keep one fully employed, or do you tend to do other work also?
 
Which City are you in?
What is your audio background? Ie, music, film, video production, theatre etc
 
Hi OzGizmo,
I think I was talking to you over on gearslutz on a pretty similar topic before christmas.
Embarrassingly I haven't done as much as I'd liked since then. Damn this year is getting away from me.

I'm in Canberra. I know there is some stuff around, but I realise Canberra is probably far from the best city for this kind of work.
My background is in Corporate and educational AV. I've been in AV for about 10 years now.
I know my way around a mixer and PAs fairly confidently(and lighting, stages & drapes...), but I realise this is a whole other kettle of fish.

That's really why I'm looking to try something different, I feel like I'm stagnating where I am now, and want to push myself a bit more.

I'm also in my last year of a Media Uni degree.
 
Yes if you are motivated enough you can earn a good living from audio, but like most jobs you will need to work 40+hrs a week at it.

Get to know your local radio TV production people, get your skill set up to scratch then talk to production companies in or come into your area.
I assume you have the ability to basic fault find, solder, and basicly repair things, You would / should have a basic 'production kit' with tools, multi meter, cable checkers, phantom power checker, listener earpiece. (and know how to use them).
This is the MINIMUM skills required to work as an Audio Assist on most Outside Broadcasts.

You will need to able to cut audio on a basic DAW system.....Quickly.
Have the ability to work with music..editing, mixing etc. (personal note: I can't read or play music but can produce radio / TV commercials with music easily)

Like most trades there is some personal investment in equipment, audio is the same. My son is a cabinet maker and has a significant investment in tools even tho he works for a boss, mechanics, chefs etc all have their own tools of trade.
 
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you can make a good living at it if you are a good and don't sell yourself short. Your time is worth money, so don't take the $100/day with gear jobs. Depending on the work you do you may travel all over the world. I just got back from NAB and there is a sound mixer from Australia that was hanging in our booth that travels all over the place doing audio.

Always be willing to learn new things and be humble. OH...and own up to mistakes when you make them. Don't try and pass the blame on to somebody else. People respect those who own their mistakes. We all make mistakes. It's not the mistakes that matter, it's how you react to them that does.
 
Cheers guys,
I'd like to think my troubleshooting and electronics skills are pretty good, and have most of the contents of a toolkit like you mention already.
I'm working on building my production and post skills, and reading everything I can.
At the moment I'm a bit limited to personal projects, which are by no means the best way to learn how things are done professionally, but its a start. I'm a bit bummed that I had to turn down a project (short film) next week due to prior commitments

I figure I've got some time before I'm doing this full time, but that's my goal. in the mean time I have a lot of learning to do and experience to get.

Damn this year is getting away from me. I had big goals to be doing so much by now... and now its April already.
 
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