Where are you currently employed?
NBC Universal and CBS.
Current Project?
ADR Mixer/Editor on Up All Night, ADR Mixer on Go On, Do No Harm and The Mindy Project, additional ADR Mixer on NCIS: Los Angeles and additional ADR and Foley Mixer Scandal.
Describe Your Job.
I re-record specific lines as well as voiceovers, in the studio on the ADR Stage to match original production performance for each character in various TV shows and feature films. I also record sound effects on a Foley stage to match the various props (keys, doors, paper, footsteps, hand claps, movements, water, chairs, etc.) that one sees when watching TV or films.
How did you first become interested in this line of work?
I knew as a small child I wanted to be in the entertainment industry...go figure! As a young teenager, I found that I had natural technical skills and loved manipulating sound.
Who gave you your first break?
Jeffrey Sandler, MPSE, asked me to put his sound effects library in order for him. It was an entire room of mag tracks over at Cannon/MGM and my task was to splice — on a splicing block — all like sounds together on different reels. This was my introduction to audio. After completing the job, knowing that my time there was coming to an end, I was walking down the hall and I passed Corey Bailey, then MGM Sound Department manager. I asked him, "So, you have a job for me?” To my surprise, he said, "Yes, I do." I was hired to transfer the audio I had compiled to other mediums. Jeff and Corey, much love to both of you!
What was your first union job?
That sound transfer job at Cannon/MGM.
Which of your credits or projects have made you the most proud and why?
Thelma and Louise. I learned: Deadline means deadline! I learned appropriate interaction with colleagues who are often under the stress of many different expectations, myself included. I learned to give and receive constructive criticism with grace and appreciation, regardless of the manner given. It was a great timeless project and I am so grateful and proud to have been a part of the post-production sound crew, as well as the ADR/VO team...and it was a team.
What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
Relationships are a huge part of doing this particular gig, along with your technical ability and knowledge. I would say the biggest challenge has been to continue nurturing my current relationships while planting the seeds for more relationships as new faces emerge. I say this because the relationships with current colleagues change as people (myself included), shows, circumstances and the industry change.
That being said, you learn on the fly which relationships are strong and which ones are merely circumstantial. Armed with this information, you must above all stay positive and adjust constantly. The revolving door of personalities, various levels of talent, technical skills and support — all can wear on you. If you are not well-grounded and totally focused and capable in your craft and your love for it, chances are high that you will not last.
Which is how I overcame this issue. I stayed focused on the task at hand — ADR and Foley. I became an expert in my specific craft and continue to learn in every session. The rest takes care of itself. Oh, yeah — being a happy person by nature helps a lot.
What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
Again, I would have to say working on the post sound for Thelma and Louise.
Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
I absolutely love and adore what I do and I hope and pray to be doing much more of the same. I look forward to the continuing advancement of technology and the overwhelming imagination of those writing the shows I will be blessed to work on.
What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
Concerts, going to new eateries, movies, travel, skydiving, hanging out with friends, volunteer work, reading a good book — and football!
Favorite movie(s)? Why?
Fried Green Tomatoes — wonderful storyline; Thelma and Louise — beautifully directed and shot, great/fun storyline and an amazing crew; The Bird Cage — well-written, directed,and wonderfully thought-out in terms of audience presentation and acceptability, funny and engaging. Beasts of the Southern Wild — a must see. Notice I make no mention of sound or editorial. I go to see a seamless story only.
Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
Ghost Whisperer — I just dig it; Harry’s Law — love me some Kathy Bates; Perception — I have personal experience with this issue. This show expresses many facets of the main character’s illness in a caring, loving and not so scary way. Bravo! Eric McCormack is great in this. Plus Will & Grace — the entire cast was simply amazing and the show was so funny, thank God for re-runs and syndication.
Do you have an industry mentor?
Corey Bailey and Jeff Sandler, who gave me my first break.
What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
If you are not having fun, don't do this. Make sure you stay updated technically. Much of your advancement will also rely on your relationships, so do what you say and say what you mean, which may be the exact opposite of what you see many others doing. After all, it is show business. Your word is your bond. Do not let anything or anyone strip you of your integrity.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
Enjoy the journey...put your head down…and mix. Blessings.
- Compiled by Edward Landler