Mick

I've just read through reams of posts regarding thus subject and found none that addressed my particular issue. I'd like to send a scratch track via a comtek, just for sync backup purposes. What do I need in terms of comtek receiver out/red in cable and what audio settings should I address on the Red? Thanks Mick

I'm a PC guy for now so is there anything that works on that platform similar to Boom Recorder?

I'm looking for software that will backup main tracks, ISO's time code metadata etc and save it to a CF card that will duplicate whatever machine the main source is, ie Deva, SD 788 etc. Thanks Mick

What's the best software to use as a backup with either a PC or a mac that will burn a CF card?

Mixing "CSI" for eleven years was a dream job and I am so grateful to have had it for as long as I did. The downside now that I no longer have it however, is that I no longer have any current contacts in the biz and I feel like I'm back to square one, almost like starting in the business from scratch. I subscribe to Production Weekly and Below The Line and send out resumes galore but nothing seems to be working, especially me! Am I missing something? Did the protocol for finding work and networking change while I was out of touch? I've chatted with a couple of contemporaries and it seems that I'm not the only one in this dilemma. I can understand that the alarming amount of work going out of town is partly to blame in that there are now more mixers than available jobs, but ego aside, I assumed that a resume as comprehensive as mine would at least get me some interviews. Nope. I've worked about six weeks in the last year and a half. I'm geared up for 2nd unit work in the hope that any of the current series out there can use my expertise and experience in day playing. If anyone has a word of advice that I can use I'd appreciate it. I'm way too young to retire and in all modesty, way too good to have my talents stay this idle this long. Live long and prosper Mick

Hi Guys I've scaled down my rig to fit into my truck and I am available for any 2nd unit work that you may have. If you hear of anything similar I'd appreciate a referral. I appreciate your help and look forward to working with you if the need arises. If you need a few days off....! Thanks and Happy Holidays Mick Fowler 805 402 1227

I haven't seen one mention of the Neumann kmr81, which IMO is the best sounding mic out there. Indoors or out. MIck

Anyone have a suggestion for a sound cart that would ship easily? I suppose it's too ambitious to expect a cart that would allow the gear to stay on it during shipping? I'm looking for a scaled down cart that I could fed x anywhere. I'm using two magliner based rigs right now and need a traveling version. thanks for any input Mick

I thought that doing a movie in Huntsville AL at the space research center would be RF purgatory. Wrong. Block 21 has worked flawlessly for me for four weeks. Ninety percent if not more of this project has been on wires because of a combination of background noise and directorial style. Wide and tight all day long and huge turbines and air conditioners in the center have prevented the use of boom mics but we've done really well using the wires even in close ups. I don't know if my career will evolve from TV series to movies, I don't mind either way, but I do know that the more we succeed at providing production audio on wires that is on a par with larger diaphragm mic recording then this W&T syndrome will continue to perpetuate itself and there is only one thing to do. Get over it and get on with it. It's here to stay along with excessively long takes without cutting because of relatively cheap recording media utilized by digital cameras. We are using two Red Epics which are providing really nice images mostly because of the DP. It's hot and humid and I'm glad to be working when so much TV and movie work is going out of L.A. to other parts of the country. Their support systems are fledgling and lack the proficiency of California based shows but they are learning fast and it's going to take a lot more than half baked tax incentives to bring back enough work to L.A. to keep us all employed. Vent over. Mick

The syncing is being done using the time code but there is definitely a drift after three hours. Whether it's the cameras or the lockit boxes i don't know but the drift is there regardless of the source. B camera actually sees the difference by comparing the camera readout with the slate and i assure you that all the relevant parts are generating and jamming to the correct frame rate.

Two red Epics on a movie in Alabama and despite all the quasi-negativity that's been bandied around here and elsewhere I must say it's been a pleasure so far. Time code jamming is easy, lockit box slates and all, although I have found that there's a three or four frame drift if I don't jam every three hours. The sound and picture is syncing just nicely and the picture quality is really awesome. The DP notwithstanding the footage is really pretty and the cameras really bring it pictorially. I worked with the Al;exa recently and for my money the price differential is not worth the picture difference which to my eye, (remember I'm a sound man) is negligible. Now let's talk about the heat and humidity.... Regards Mick

Show starts this Friday

Anyone know of a boomer in or near Huntsville AL? union show local ASA rates? Thanks MIck

HI Guys For any of you mixers who have worked with the red epic, what's the protocol for jamming TC.? They have lockit boxes on the cameras but I've never worked with Red before so any and all "watchout fors" would be much appreciated thanks Mick

Yes Jeff, I sometimes teach when Mark is unavailable and often hope that that's the case as teaching there is such a cool event. Camden where the workshop is located is as charming and picturesque a village as you can imagine and of course the seafood is outstanding. The staff and students at the workshop are so nice and the whole experience is like a paid vacation. I enjoyed it so much I took my wife and we had (and are still having as I write this) a wonderful time. Ulano actually has a property up here so that's how appealing this place is. Mick

Hi jeff, I just finished a wonderful week teaching at the Maine Media Workshops and one of the highlights for my students was the video we shot at your house showing the latest (then) version of your cart and the gear in contained, and then you chatting freely about your many and varied experiences over the course of your career. They really enjoyed all aspects of the interview we did and thanks again for being so gracious and letting us in on your world. Mick Fowler

One of my favorite bands of all time. "The Last Waltz" remains perhaps the greatest filmed concert in my opinion and the Band's music placed a slice of Americana into many a European home as well as over here. Fraught with suicide and premature death, still they remain unique in American musical history. Live on levon.

Does anyone know of any rental houses in the UK that would rent a complete sound package, perhaps with either a Deva 5 or an SD 788, a decent mixer, mics and cart etc? And how about rates? Is it a viable proposition to work there if I had to rent a sound package? I'm just fishing here so don't any of you blokes get nervous, I'm not about to compete in the UK market. Just yet. Thanks Mick

Thanks for the interest and referrals guys, I found a crew MIck

Hi guys I'm back in the work force again with a pilot stating March14th (maybe a prep day on the 13th) for 12 days. Interested persons should e mail me a resume at mickfowlerproductions@gmail.com THanks Mick

I'm available for anything starting January 1st 2012. Pilots, docs, 2nd unit, whatever. Getting back out there and networking after 11 years on "CSI" Thanks guys Mick Fowler mickfowlerproductions@gmail.com 805 402 1227

Hi Guys, I've been occupied with personal, family and health concerns recently and as I'm no longer on "CSI" (looking for a job in January if anyone has a lead!) I've decided to write a book. I'd like to solicit contributions and input from anyone who posts here, mixers, pre and post, boomers, utility sound, anyone who has an opinion and professional experience with the equipment we use and any anecdotal stuff that would help educate and entertain prospective readers of this particular subject. I'll be more specific about individual subject matter once I see what kind of response this generates and who is willing to share, but I look forward to hearing from anyone willing to invest a little time in a project that hopefully will benefit future audio engineers. Anyone interested in participating in this on any level please send me your e mail address so that we can communicate personally. Thanks Mick Fowler mickfowlerproductions@gmail.com

Hi Guys I'm doing a movie in August shooting on a Red Mysterium package and never having shot with anything but film I'm looking for some pointers as to how to provide audio to the camera and what frame rates, sample rates and all that jazz. Do I need a lockit box to sync time code etc? I know I could have researched all this stuff online but it's always been more fun to do here. Thanks Mick

Today is the last shooting day of season eleven and there's every indication that there'll be a twelfth. I have nothing philosophical to impart, I just want to express my gratitude for what has approximated a real job over the last eleven years and to let my contemporaries know that I am not complacent or overly burned out. The show rarely goes over twelve hours and while some think that even this is too much, within the existing parameters of our industry this is a welcome rarity. There is much that could be improved and while I accept this fact, I reflect on friends that work in the corporate world and that don't have anywhere near the perks of my job. I roll into work, eat a free breakfast that rivals and surpasses that of many famed restaurants in town, and have access to crafts service all day long, a lunch that would cost big bucks if I had to pay for it and a job that I enjoy and which pays me pretty well. Yes the hours are sometimes out of the normal and take time from my wife, but as I embark on a three month hiatus during which I probably will not work, I have at my disposal the means to make it up to her, which I fully intend to do. While she works at her chosen metier during the day I will be occupied in my recording studio doing what I love more than anything else, well almost, and that is making music. Bottom line...I'm blessed and I'm very thankful to God for the opportunities for me to help myself and my family, and by being able to contribute some of my increase to those less fortunate. I'm also appreciative of the scads of useful information embedded in this site and I feel a sort of third party connection to the regulars here even though I've only met a few. Have a great summer people and take it from one edging into the "old timer" designation... live every moment, life is short and unpredictable. If we're not all glowing in the dark over the next few months because of the Japanese disaster I'll be back to read with interest what have been the goings on over the next three months. Respectfully Mick

If you're a fan of country guitar pickin' check out Doug Seven. If you google sizzlin guitar licks you'll get a taste of this guy. I used to think Albert lee was one of the pinnacles of country guitar but once you've heard Doug...see if you agree.