Field Audio Mixing...

[Shootblue]

I am weighing going to the Maine Media Workshops Production Sound Mixing workshop and I have to decide pretty quick. I've had some experience with the typical ENG boom/mixer/lav setup...I think I could probably jump in and get a satisfactory job done, but I'd really like to understand and be a problem solver. One of the biggest factors is that it is going to cost me between tuition, room and board, and travel over $3000 to go. I have good reviews about the instructors and the institution, what I am trying to get a pulse on is the typical "boom guy" market these days. I know that it is somewhat not as lucrative as it had been in the past...but are we down to warm bodies running the gear or is it more set up for specialists who really understand how to do things? If you had someone call you and say that they had the gear, some experience, and had been to the workshops, would that sway you towards giving them a shot?

[BluesCam]

Originally Posted by Shootblue

If you had someone call you and say that they had the gear, some experience, and had been to the workshops, would that sway you towards giving them a shot?

Probably not. I would want a recommendation from someone who I trust. I recently had to hire someone for sound when none of my main guys were available. It was an important shoot in a noisy environment. My normal sound person found someone for me who he trusted and things went very well. It took sound blanket walls and special pickup pattern mics. I might try somebody new on a very basic shoot, because I know audio quite well and could step in if I had a problem. I would try to work with a well known sound person, if possible, and build your skill set and equipment package from there. The Maine Workshops have a good reputation, so it probably couldn't hurt, if you have the $$. Good luck.

[jajack71]

Everyone has to start somewhere. Even the most experienced sound people where at one time novice sound techs. Get the training that you need and get the proper gear then put yourself out there. My experience is that the more you do things the better you get at solving problems and making quick solutions. School and or classes such as the one being taught at the Maine Workshop are good to get you introduced to whatever you are looking to learn but experience is the best teacher.

[Starman]

I do ENG/EFP audio some days since I have the gear and have been trained in both sound and camera from the start, and I also shoot camera other days. I am always willing to learn something new, I think that the workshop would be valuable to your job skills.

[Nino]

Originally Posted by Shootblue

I am weighing going to the Maine Media Workshops Production Sound Mixing workshop and I have to decide pretty quick. I've had some experience with the typical ENG boom/mixer/lav setup...I think I could probably jump in and get a satisfactory job done, but I'd really like to understand and be a problem solver. One of the biggest factors is that it is going to cost me between tuition, room and board, and travel over $3000 to go. I have good reviews about the instructors and the institution, what I am trying to get a pulse on is the typical "boom guy" market these days. I know that it is somewhat not as lucrative as it had been in the past...but are we down to warm bodies running the gear or is it more set up for specialists who really understand how to do things? If you had someone call you and say that they had the gear, some experience, and had been to the workshops, would that sway you towards giving them a shot?

I'm going to give you a suggestion that I wouldn't normally give, but in times when money is in short supply we have to get creative. $3000 is a lot of money to spend if you don't intend to become a full time soundman. If you have it go right ahead, the Workshop is a well worthwhile educational experience, I've been there many times, years and years ago.

First read as many books as you can on audio, then find the best soundman in your area, talk to him, offer to pay him his days rate plus a little more if he spends a few days teaching you what he knows about audio. Tell him that your employer want you to learn more about audio and you're trying to save your job, so he wouldn't be concern about you competing against him. He can do it when he is not booked.
You will learn (almost) as much as going to the Workshop, as the instructors there are working professionals. I know I would jump at the offer. All he can say is no, then try somebody else.

[2000lux]

Shure used to have a great small book / pamphlet that explained a lot of basic audio concepts really well. I learned a lot from it when I was starting out.

If you can afford it, the Maine workshops are great. Not just for the classes, but also the atmosphere. It's like summer camp for adults. There are all sorts of creative people there, taking all sorts of classes. The area is beautiful, the food is good, and you can write it all off on your taxes.

[Douglas]

Brian, you are absolutely right about the workshops. I'll be there for three weeks in July and August and it is like stepping into a whole different world than we normally work in.

[2mancrew]

Originally Posted by Nino

First read as many books as you can on audio, then find the best soundman in your area, talk to him, offer to pay him his days rate plus a little more if he spends a few days teaching you what he knows about audio. Tell him that your employer want you to learn more about audio and you're trying to save your job,

I second reading the most books you can on audio. They are the cheapest way of gaining that knowledge. Focal Press has some good ones.

Here is another good one:

Sync Sound for Film and Video
http://pdfheart.com/a/Sync%20Sound%2...%20and%20Video

It takes about 2-3 months of daily sound booming to get really good at it. It takes months to learn many tricks of being a sound recordist.

The Maine Workshops are intensive and 1 week or so. You can only soak in so much tech in a week. If you are going then buy some books and read in advance and start the soaking-in process weeks early.


A soundie in your area would find it somewhat competing for work if you own sound gear and are not a staffer and only a permalancer as you may jump over and do sound. Paying them for 1 day to teach you isn't in their best interest in the long term.
I've been asked to do it and that is how I felt as a soundie.