Hello to all now that I have some unwelcomed time off I will be posting daily again. Usually I spend most of January doing corporate video but this year due to the economy none of my normal clients have any work scheduled so I am not sure what this year will hold But I hope we can all work and prospur.
Why Don’t People think Sound Mixing is a Real Job?
I went to a cocktail party last week and was chatting and socializing with various people about their jobs and when I told this group of late 20 somethings what I did. Two of them got a strange look on their faces and asked me ” What job are you hoping to have one day.?” I explained though I hope to work on more film work then reality work eventually but that I am very happy with what I currently do. The women with him couldn’t understand my job so I explained in more detail what I do. Her response was ” You actually go to college for this? I explained yes I do have a B.F.A and that I have been the sound supervisor on a few large projects in the last few years and work for some big companies she might have heard of. I then walked away to prevent my head from exploding……
Sound mixing is just as much as a profession as banking, selling insurance or sales. I love what I do and thats what is important.
Protecting yourself and your gear from the weather
Nothing is worse than shooting in the rain, snow or sleet. But like the Post Office we must deliver. Here is how I protect my gear:
I own a Motu Sound Slick which is a large poncho well made with a clear area allow you to see your bag to mix it works well but is large and hard to carry around. But it works well and I have been in gail force winds with heavy rain and wind, and it kept me and my gear dry it also allows you to protect your boompole as well. , however if time permits I like to add a 2nd level of protection.
I usually wear a rain suit under my sound poncho or just the rain suit pants since your legs can still get damp. It will also help keep you warm in cold wet weather.
If the weather looks clear for the day I will leave all the rain gear at home. I always keep a $0.99 emergency poncho inside my sound bag in the event of an unexpected shower I can cover myself quickly. With this rain gear you and your gear should stay dry!!!!
Colored Lav Microphones to match the wardrobe
I recently invested in some white, tan and grey EMW, B6 and Cos-11 lav’s. which have saved me alot in the past season of my Reality tv show. A number of the cast members wear very thin tank tops and retro style T-Shirts which show the standard black microphone wire, However the white lav wire is easier to hide and makes my job much easier. So in the future consider adding some colored lav microphones to your kit. It may help you too.
Hiding the Countryman EMW with MoleSkin
I got an email from someone stating that they were not having any luck hiding the EMW on a cotton T-Shirt. So I asked what type of Mole Skin was being used. The response was I dunno. You must use the Dr Scholls’ Moleskin the store brand or the type sold by the sound retailers. It does not stick as well or work as well. Also the moleskin is one time use only. Trying to reuse it will make it fail hope this helps
Pro Location Sound LLC 