Since being on the course one of the main things I’ve found myself enjoying is being a sound recordist, I’ve worked on over 10+ student films as a sound recordist/boom operator. I like being outside and working on sets means when I finish and go home my work is done. I also have worked commercially with a company called Big Fridge Productions, they have hired me for many advert and short film jobs which I have been credited on.
The course has allowed me to follow my interest, in different microphones and recorders and learn about the process of field recording and the theoretical side to it as well. Writers like Peter Wright, Cusack, and books such as In the Field, and Sound Arts now. Jez Riley French. Have all guided me towards this mindset of field recording.
If spent around £1000 I could start doing this freelance on weekends perhaps and see if it could become a full-time job role, if I don’t like doing post-production that is, my current job is that. I think this could be another future professional career, which would allow me to travel and work freelance and perhaps join an agency? I know about websites such as Mandy, and I also have connections with others who do sound recordist jobs freelance. This would also allow me to choose when to work and take jobs when I need rather than working 9-6pm like I have been.
The closer I get to graduation the more I feel grateful I have a graduate scheme job and will go straight into work but I do need to be vigilant that this is just the first opportunity and I should not be afraid to break the comfort of a salary and really follow my passions.
I had a 1hr Zoom call with Gordan Hempton, who create one square inch of silence. and he told me around my age is when people make the biggest changes in their lives, I am 25 and towards the end of my twenties we start to really figure out who we are and make some decisions which are important. I want to make sure I value experience and happiness over financial gain. As long as I can eat, have a roof over my head and be creative I’m all good.