Career Advice? Starting Out…

[dennismarc1uska]

Hey everyone!

 

I’m writing this post because I’m looking for advice from those who currently work in production sound professionally. A bit of background: I’m currently 23 & went to film school where I decide I would learn  how to mix on set & learn about gain staging & signal flow. While I was there I talked my way into mixing and worked as a production sound mixer for a fair amount of short films. Since then I’ve mixed a lot more indie shorts, interviews, and other projects. My plan is to branch out and eventually work as a sound assistant or utility sound technician on features, television, or commercials. I think that working under a more experienced mixer would provide me with the knowledge and experience I need to be better qualified to work professionally. I also would like to be a great asset to the production mixer, as I can only imagine how stressful it is to be recording audio on larger productions. 
 

Since many of you have worked/are currently working in production sound, Do have any recommendations for reaching out to & networking with other sound mixers? I’ve thought about cold emailing or using social media but I don’t want to impose myself too much or annoy anyone. I know a lot of people have been expressing that the industry is in a state of contraction right now, so I wanted to post this to hear from people who have been through this process/if anyone agrees with my ideas or has any advice. In my experience the sound community has been very supportive so thank you all for any advice you provide. I’m grateful for y’all. 

 

P.S. I currently live in LA County

 

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

How did you find the short films you've already worked on?  Ask around, figure out who knows sound mixers, and ask for introductions.  Hang out at industry networking events and ask for referrals.  Talk to other sound assistants, convince them you are competent, and ask them to recommend you if they need a replacement.

 

Cold call if you have to, if you are genuine and luck out with the timing, you'll find someone who needs you at the right moment.  I'll certainly sit down for a coffee to get to know new faces, though usually cold calls don't work out with timing.  Be personable and think it more as getting to know someone than a job application.  They'll ask for your help if they like you and need someone, in that order of importance.

 

While I don't want to discourage you from searching publicly in posts like this one, your post comes across as a form letter, which isn't going to get people's attention.  If you want people to know you, show us who you are, not what you are looking for.

[dennismarc1uska]

8 hours ago, The Documentary Sound Guy said:

How did you find the short films you've already worked on?  Ask around, figure out who knows sound mixers, and ask for introductions.  Hang out at industry networking events and ask for referrals.  Talk to other sound assistants, convince them you are competent, and ask them to recommend you if they need a replacement.

 

Cold call if you have to, if you are genuine and luck out with the timing, you'll find someone who needs you at the right moment.  I'll certainly sit down for a coffee to get to know new faces, though usually cold calls don't work out with timing.  Be personable and think it more as getting to know someone than a job application.  They'll ask for your help if they like you and need someone, in that order of importance.

 

While I don't want to discourage you from searching publicly in posts like this one, your post comes across as a form letter, which isn't going to get people's attention.  If you want people to know you, show us who you are, not what you are looking for.

A majority of the projects I've worked are through film school contacts and people connected to those I have mixed for. I think it would be good to connect with other mixers who work with people in my "network" of sorts.

You're not the first mixer who has suggested I check out networking events, so I'm going to do my research on what events might be good. 

 

I'll definitely try to use your coffee suggestion. I feel like my network of mixers is limited right now, and I'd really like to get to know other mixers and pick their brains, even if it is for a very brief period of time. I love talking about audio, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions. It would be cool if this led to a helping someone eventually, but I honestly wouldn't mind if it didn't. I really just want to meet others who are passionate about audio as well.

 

I agree that there's probably a lack of personality to this post, but I really wanted to ask here because I've found this site to be incredibly helpful for learning the trade. Everyone seems very willing to share advice/info in this community, so I appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts. I thought posting would be a good idea because sometimes it feels daunting thinking about how to network and move forward, so every little piece of advice really helps!

[VASI]

Build a network. The next job is coming from someone which gave a recommendation for you to the other person. That's how the industry works, no matter which continent.

 

- Don't be an assh*.
- Don't speak loudly.
- Be reliable. Don't say words that you can't fulfill.

- Don't speak - disturb when the director and actor communicate. If you want to say something, say it later or go out from set.
- If the battery on wireless actor is empty during recording, it's your fault as an assistant.

 

Professionalism, Communication, Anticipation, Composure, Concentration, Teamwork, Work Rate. Technique is a long term project. There would be times without the phone ringing, happens to all. Don't panic and good luck! 

[dennismarc1uska]

7 hours ago, VASI said:

Build a network. The next job is coming from someone which gave a recommendation for you to the other person. That's how the industry works, no matter which continent.

 

- Don't be an assh*.
- Don't speak loudly.
- Be reliable. Don't say words that you can't fulfill.

- Don't speak - disturb when the director and actor communicate. If you want to say something, say it later or go out from set.
- If the battery on wireless actor is empty during recording, it's your fault as an assistant.

 

Professionalism, Communication, Anticipation, Composure, Concentration, Teamwork, Work Rate. Technique is a long term project. There would be times without the phone ringing, happens to all. Don't panic and good luck! 

Thanks! I'll keep these things in mind

[Doc Justice]

Great timing on your post!

 

Join the LA Sound Mixer community on Sunday, February 23rd (the day after the CAS Awards) for the 2025 Winter Brunch & Mixer. Come network with the best of the best. Come find me and I'll introduce you around.

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-winter-brunch-mixer-tickets-1243648820099

[VASI]

You have a bright star to follow you, Dennis. This is an excellent opportunity for you, LA Sound Mixer event. 🙏

[dennismarc1uska]

On 2/14/2025 at 12:26 PM, Doc Justice said:

Great timing on your post!

 

Join the LA Sound Mixer community on Sunday, February 23rd (the day after the CAS Awards) for the 2025 Winter Brunch & Mixer. Come network with the best of the best. Come find me and I'll introduce you around.

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-winter-brunch-mixer-tickets-1243648820099

That sounds great, I’ll see you there! 

[osa]

Holy cow this was fun to watch unfold. I am helping a local on a similar path with the aid of a few other seasoned mixers and yes there are the usual challenges but your professional persistence will pay off in time. This particular person we have been meeting with might be on their way to a full time position that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Luck / timing / get-after-it-ness all applies. Keep after it Dennis and best of luck!

 

-Ken

[dennismarc1uska]

On 2/17/2025 at 8:16 PM, osa said:

Holy cow this was fun to watch unfold. I am helping a local on a similar path with the aid of a few other seasoned mixers and yes there are the usual challenges but your professional persistence will pay off in time. This particular person we have been meeting with might be on their way to a full time position that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Luck / timing / get-after-it-ness all applies. Keep after it Dennis and best of luck!

 

-Ken

It’s true, passion and determination speak for themselves.
 

That’s awesome though, us newcomers are always grateful that the community is so supportive so I’m glad to hear a similar story unfolding!