Jump to content

When did you find yourself become a mature mixer?


orionflood

Recommended Posts

I'm still a young mixer, I've worked on some big projects over the last five years...at least according to my standards...which is a combination between a payscale entering the four digit range per day clients most people would recognize. Unfortunately maybe because of my youth or what, but I'm starting to get distracted and wanting to pursue the world a little more. I love working I mean it truly is a gift...but I'm finding my resolve shrinking. A recent relationship breakup because I traveled and took the jobs most probably didn't want to do, and of course she hated that and I loved that...but I haven't really done much besides audio work since I was 10 years old in some capacity(theatre, concerts, recording, post film, production, radio, graduate degree). I feel a little burnt out at times and ashamed in the off season how little I wish to pursue audio related stuff. I have so many milestones ahead of me like unionship somewhere, joining all the major organizations in time, hardcore networking all the time. This offseason I've pushed that aside to concentrate on my health...for which has been a huge challenge in itself. Although not old, my undiagnosed until now celiacs and low testosterone has caught up to me...and with a good 20 pounds around my waist and 30 lost in the last year I've been working out to try to get in good enough shape to rival any great boom op or reality mixer, but I'm not there quite yet.

 

For you older mixers who have been doing it for a quarter of a decade give or take how have you kept focus and made it all work? I would like a family but hell right now that feels so far away and I'm at the age where I should start thinking about that...probably :) Right now I feel so ashamed that I don't really feel like getting up off the couch unless I'm at the bottom of the barrel money wise or it is a crazy good paying job.

 

When I was a composer I met with a well known composer at the time (non-film) and he was trying to encourage me by saying he didn't really start composing seriously until he was in his 40's. I wonder if some may feel the same or not. A lot of you have been sources of encouragement for me and many on this site. Not a typical forum discussion, yet not a typical job.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

From this old guy:

 

What's worked for me is a combination of

 

1)  Finding your niche: what you do that's at least somewhat unique, that makes you less of a commodity. 

2)  Loving the work.

3)  Having an understanding spouse / partner.

 

#1 and #3 take a lot of luck and a lot of work. I believe #2 is both innate and essential.

 

(FWIW, I came in from the cold... as part of #1, I dropped out of location work -- film and broadcast -- and concentrated on post. But that's what was right for me. Your formula will be different.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If your not feeling like getting off the couch now, imagine how it feels after 32 years....  Hot desert shoots, horrid downtown LA shoots.... Days on a process trailer in hot conditions... dry lake beds in Mojave  on and on and on....  It will in most cases not be any more fun as you get older... only worse...

 

 I would recommend moving to Colorado somewhere close to a "Pot store"  and living happily on your sofa with a big smile on your face... you may not make much money, but you won't be bummed out on a 118 degree desert shoot..

 

If your younger now I think you should be MORE motivated.... not less....

As for a family.... watching kids go without essentials can be a super motivator.. I would say that's probably not the path you want to take.

 

 Just asking the question itself is a bit sad.....  Some of us love this job, some of us used to... some of us don't care for it at all... but... when the starting gun goes off I think we are all motivated to do a good job, for the project, for the director and most important... for YOU!!! That's MY department I am running, and people know it....  You better be motivated..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As with Wondering Ear I'm in about 10 years now, and I have to say some of the things you mention sound familiar to me as well. My path to production sound was made through post. The ability to switch from one to the other really helps me stay interested and challenged by both. In our neck of the woods 99% of the local mixers have to work on everything from commercials, to reality, to features, etc. For me that keeps things interesting as well. I really don't think I could handle a full year of mixing just one type of production only. If I was only production mixing and not working in the studio it would also drive me nuts. So for me, keeping it diverse has helped. 

 

Also, keeping in shape is important no matter what you do of course. But some my motivation comes from thinking about the young bucks nipping at my heels:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to assume that when you're talking about motivation, you mean the motivation to take a job or not. I think of that as different than the motivation one might have once they are on the job. I'm taking (with even more assumptions) that "afewmoreyears" is jumping to the conclusion that you're lazy on set. To me, it sounds like you're in demand, so you must be doing a pretty good job but are questioning "what does it all mean" and "what am I doing with my life" on the days that you are not working. A tough breakup will, of course, do that, just like any big life event. Sometimes people in the film community dive head first into work to get away from those events. Some people start to look at what's the point in making "the stuff between the commercials" or even the (99% of the time) unartistic commercials. 

 

Those are healthy questions. Sometimes I might be on a project that I don't think is that great (or maybe a show that I couldn't see myself watching in my spare time). But I end up finding enjoyment in the set community and in the technical challenges. And, honestly, every time I wish I worked on my favorite TV shows or movies, I also have to ask myself if working on it would take away the "magic" for me as a viewer. 

 

I think Jay Rose is absolutely correct about the need to find an understanding partner. I feel lucky, but I know it's a challenge for me and my wife. My work schedule can go from "oh my god, when is my next job coming" for a few weeks to 60-70 hours per week for 7-9 months. Some partners just don't get it right away. But a lot of partners adjust and adapt. Just like you might start to adjust and adapt in the types of jobs you decide to take (maybe to spend more time at home). 

 

Your post sounds like you're still reeling from a bad breakup and how your job choices affect your relationships. The business is tough on relationships. There are a lot of divorced sound mixers out there. You might want to consider talking to some professionals. i think as far as friendly sound mixer advice, I'd suggest building on your hobbies: Are you still working on musical compositions? Stay with the workout, but explore other activities (rock climbing, yoga). Enjoy life away from set and take those experiences with you to the job. 

 

One thing that I try to keep in mind is how long does the merry go round keep spinning for us. There's technological changes, local economies, but also, how many times will I get hired after I'm 60 to push a sound cart through the streets on little mini-moves. It's good to keep your eye on how you might get out of the business or survive retirement while still being motivated to do a good job at work. 

 

Just my random thoughts on it...

Josh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oflood...

:) Right now I feel so ashamed that I don't really feel like getting up off the couch unless I'm at the bottom of the barrel money wise or it is a crazy good paying job."

 

 

Josh,

Maybe it was this that had me thinking that way...  and my comment on relocating to Colorado... (kidding)

Not really lazy on set, but in general.... but...Could also be depression... not laziness..

   We all feel that way from time to time, but... I would never admit it outside of my own pea brain. ???   and on a public forum... probably never...LOL..

 

Your lucky to find someone you love and who loves you these days.... Someone who understands our work as well...?  that's a jackpot ...  I for one am blessed in that regard... thank goodness... ;D I consider myself very lucky.

 

Oflood, you'll find that someone... if you can stay positive and be a go getter... it can happen at any moment... in any place... keep smiling.. and keep working.... it will all come together for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're right a fewmoreyears it is/could be SAD (seasonal depression disorder) living in the north midwest this year has been crazy depressing, my hands freeze within minutes of going outside, many days you just couldn't go anywhere. I seem to always experience it...might need to live somewhere else. I'm usually crazy busy during the summer and I get anxiety any day I'm not working...right now though I feel the way I described above. I'm currently taking Rhodiola Rosea, the Russians take for depression in colder climates and that has helped some. From my experience fewer conditions have sucked motivation from me more than extreme cold.

 

Jay, you are probably right but I went from post to production because I found that to be a niche...soo many folks have their degree in post audio, not many know or want to do production from my experience. The niche I guess you might be talking about is designing books to meet the demand for curriculum these schools need for post, if so you do it brilliantly.

 

Jason you are right I am in the same position as you. I know of a lot of mixers I knew drop out of the work force recently in my areas...unfortunately there really hasn't been an influx of work because of it but maybe in the future. Yea, I put on all the various hats as you. Cart based, small bag based, and large bag based, and I do love that portion.

 

Thanks Josh, for putting in the effort and your post was encouraging. I am kind of reeling from the breakup but I knew it needed to happen and that I needed to move on, but can't say it hasn't sapped something from me. I really really want to invest in my local community more and play some more sports etc. but as Josh said I have to put on all the various hats, so at this point I find it hard to justify sports monetarily wise and physical wise because of the risk of injury involved. If I get injured and can't take that big reality gig coming through town next week that is pretty bad, and through all the various posts on working out and working most have seemed inconclusive on whether any of it really has any effect on lengthening a sound mixers career. I'm trying to boost my testosterone and increased my deadlift and strained my back a bit...catch 22 I guess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The friends I've known who had Seasonal Affective Disorder have said that using light bulbs that simulate sunlight in their homes has helped greatly. 

 

The good news is, that with the proliferation of CFLs available now, this is easier and less expensive than it once was.  Replace your bulbs with ones listed as 5500 or 5600 Kelvin color temperature and have at least one really well lit room you can bask in.  Any good sized hardware store now stocks quite a few that have the color temp. listed on the package.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My add: you may burn out on the production bullshit, but you have to still love working with/in sound, and with the other people who work on the crews you frequent.  You can't fool them--if you've had it they will know, and you're done.  If you need a break take one--better to have to work your contacts back up after a work hiatus than to piss a lot of people off with a burned out attitude to the point that word gets around about you.  Doing a variety of shoots helps with this too--offers new problems to solve, which is ultimately what keeps a lot of us interested decade after decade.  You can't get away with just doing this work for the money, if you were thinking that....

 

philp

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good one Phil

 

Just done two days of pickups on a low budget feature but a teeny crew!!!

 

Takes longer, many compromises but I had to pull them into line to do what I needed

 

Said to my young but great boom op "even you can see the shortcomings here

that slow you down, cause bad or lack of information etc"

 

Yep mature - I was boom operating before all the crew were born!!!

 

I loved it

 

mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The niche I guess you might be talking about is designing books to meet the demand for curriculum these schools need for post, if so you do it brilliantly.

 

Thanks for the kind words about my books. But in truth, writing is just a sideline that got out of control... and then became a way to pay forward all the people who helped me when I was starting out.

 

I'm still a soundie, first and foremost. And I'll put off any writing assignment for a chance to work on a good film.

 

Thinking about it, I guess the writing is part of my love for sound; that's the only thing I write about now. So is the software design (products for Eventide and Orban), since the only thing I program is audio processing algorithms. So is the narration for the blind, using techniques I've picked up from voice actors throughout my career. And the hardware hacking for my own enjoyment is usually audio circuits.

 

About the only big thing in my life that isn't about sound has been being a husband and dad. 

 

And a short stint as a mime: http://dplay.com/funny/tofu.html.

 

The point is, having a passion for sound is the one thing you can't fake or push.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to assume that when you're talking about motivation, you mean the motivation to take a job or not. I think of that as different than the motivation one might have once they are on the job. I'm taking (with even more assumptions) that "afewmoreyears" is jumping to the conclusion that you're lazy on set. To me, it sounds like you're in demand, so you must be doing a pretty good job but are questioning "what does it all mean" and "what am I doing with my life" on the days that you are not working. A tough breakup will, of course, do that, just like any big life event. Sometimes people in the film community dive head first into work to get away from those events. Some people start to look at what's the point in making "the stuff between the commercials" or even the (99% of the time) unartistic commercials. 

 

Those are healthy questions. Sometimes I might be on a project that I don't think is that great (or maybe a show that I couldn't see myself watching in my spare time). But I end up finding enjoyment in the set community and in the technical challenges. And, honestly, every time I wish I worked on my favorite TV shows or movies, I also have to ask myself if working on it would take away the "magic" for me as a viewer. 

 

I think Jay Rose is absolutely correct about the need to find an understanding partner. I feel lucky, but I know it's a challenge for me and my wife. My work schedule can go from "oh my god, when is my next job coming" for a few weeks to 60-70 hours per week for 7-9 months. Some partners just don't get it right away. But a lot of partners adjust and adapt. Just like you might start to adjust and adapt in the types of jobs you decide to take (maybe to spend more time at home). 

 

Your post sounds like you're still reeling from a bad breakup and how your job choices affect your relationships. The business is tough on relationships. There are a lot of divorced sound mixers out there. You might want to consider talking to some professionals. i think as far as friendly sound mixer advice, I'd suggest building on your hobbies: Are you still working on musical compositions? Stay with the workout, but explore other activities (rock climbing, yoga). Enjoy life away from set and take those experiences with you to the job. 

 

One thing that I try to keep in mind is how long does the merry go round keep spinning for us. There's technological changes, local economies, but also, how many times will I get hired after I'm 60 to push a sound cart through the streets on little mini-moves. It's good to keep your eye on how you might get out of the business or survive retirement while still being motivated to do a good job at work. 

 

Just my random thoughts on it...

Josh

 

Josh,

 

Thank you for this thoughtful post. It really hits home.

 

Cheers,

José

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I first noticed I was becoming mature when my voice started to crack.  At first, I was very self-conscience and didn't want to speak to anyone, but then I noticed other changes such as my Adam's apple was getting larger along with other parts of my body, not to mention all the extra hair that seemed to magically sprout in various parts.  I found myself fascinated with National Geographic and select parts of the Sears catalog.  I was a little embarrassed of all the sudden changes until our Junior High PE teacher showed us a film called "Why Johnny takes Long Showers".  I realized that it is all part of nature and we are designed to grow up and mature.  Hormones - who knew, right?  I started to look at others differently too.  The other boys were a bunch of assholes and the girls became objects for me to manipulate and conquer. Soon my grades began to drop and my parents lost all their intelligence.  Several broken noses and STD's later I re-evaluated this maturing thing and realized that my world was much better without all these hormones screwing it up.  I had my testicles removed and joined the Peace Corps (you can pronounce it Peace Corpse if you like - other self important people do) and went about imposing my will on people in 3rd world countries.

 

Later I bought a Nagra.

 

Thus my journey in becoming a mature mixer.

 

Your route might differ.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kudos to Mirror for the best answer so far!

 

"Mature Mixer" is probably the wrong term, but if you mean, "How Long Did It Take to Get Experienced to the Point Where You Had Total Confidence on the Set," I'd say it takes a few years. For me, the first 100 shoots were tough, but eventually, you get to the point where you know what's reasonable and what's not, and you take all the problems in stride. Don't panic, have backups, know how to listen, treat people nicely, roll with the punches... you learn this over time.

 

I think your energy and enthusiasm can come partly out of fear on what each day is going to present to you, but there's also some fun in looking forward to the experience... provided the people are pleasant to work with, understand the challenges, and have reasonable expectations on what can be done in terms of sound. Working on hostile sets is no fun for everybody, particularly when each department descends into fiefdoms, to the point where the grips hate the producers, the camera department hates the sound department, the AD fights with everybody, and everybody hates the food. (Oh, I remember that shoot...)

 

 

I am a mixer, but I will never mature.

 

Amen to that! Hope I die before I get old! ("Older," I have no problem with.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...