SOUND PRODUCERS California Occupational Guide Number 2006 (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB
Sound Producers design and produce the sound component of multimedia programs and products. They work with music, voice-overs, and sound effects. They can be responsible for a variety of activities ranging from selecting or recording music to digitizing and editing recorded material into computer files. They may work with other sound professionals such as audio engineers (who actually record voice and sound effects), sound designers or special effects specialists, digital sound processors, sound researchers, musicians, and voice artists.
COMPENSATION
Many multimedia specialists do not work as salaried employees for a single company over a long period of time. It is more typical to work freelance as an independent contractor, moving from one project to the next, and being paid hourly, daily, or per project. A formal salary survey is not available; however references to annual salaries range from $25,000 for beginners to $80,000 for those with experience. Hourly wages range from $40/hr to $100/hr. All salaries depend on the nature of the project and the skill of the specialists.
REQUIREMENTS
Job Skills Needed:
-- Understanding of sound design and processing tools.
-- Understanding of studio recording techniques.
-- Understanding of how the sound fits into the project.
-- Understanding of project management tools.
-- Ability to use computer sound tools, including microphones, tape
formats and high-quality recording techniques.
-- Ability to work as a member of a team.
-- Ability to clearly communicate ideas.
-- Ability to quickly and accurately understand the goals and
objectives of the project.
-- Ability to be organized.
-- Ability to use the computer tools required to complete the project.
Other Helpful Skills or Characteristics:
-- Training and/or experience as a musician.
-- Willingness and ability to:
-- be adaptive and improvise when necessary,
-- work under tight time schedules,
-- produce a lot of material in a short amount of time.
-- Willingness and ability to frequently seek employment on new projects.
-- Willingness and ability to join projects without much advanced notice.
-- Willingness and ability to continually update skills by learning new
tools and techniques.
-- Passion for the work.
-- A good sense of humor.
-- Patience.
FINDING THE JOB
-- Create a portfolio of your work including a demo tape, a completed
CD-ROM product, or an audio CD.
-- Use contacts from previous projects or professional organizations to
get an interview with the project's art director or producer since
they are the ones most likely to make the hiring decision.
-- "The art director and producer will be looking for someone that can
'own' the sound, or in other words, someone that will take full
responsibility for all aspects of sound in the product. They will
want someone who can find and hire the appropriate artists and manage
all the hardware and software needs for the music end." (Vivid
Studios. Careers in Multimedia. Emeryville, CA: Ziff-Davis Press,
1995, p. 228.)
-- Customize your portfolio to highlight work you have done that is
similar to that of the new project.
-- Become an active member of professional organizations in order to keep
current and to make contacts that may lead to employment opportunities.
-- Attend multimedia and professional conferences and meetings to generate
job leads and to acquire current information about trends, tools and
techniques.
-- Update and acquire new skills through enrollment in continuing
education classes and through reading magazines in the field. Network
with other students and faculty.
-- Those without experience or training should consider interning or
volunteering on a project to gain experience and build marketable
skills.
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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