Audio Production

I Want This as a Career

December 23, 2009 I recently completed my sixth project for Lineplot Productions, an animation studio located in Cambridge, MA.  I've been working as their sound designer on a freelance basis.  The people at Lineplot put strong emphasis on the audio side of things regardless of the hundred other issues going on with an animated piece. So, yeah, it's a great gig.  How did it come to be?  It goes a little something like this… I completed the Audio Production program at CDIA a year ago.  My reason for attending was to discover which path in the audio world I would pursue as a career.  I knew it wouldn't be the traditional route of tracking bands in the studio because to me that is usually rather boring.  I'm all for occasional collaboration but I'd much rather be shut in a dark room with ProTools, Logic and a portable recorder.  But how do you make money from late night maniacal aural experiments?  That's what I wanted to find out... was it even possible? <Cue ominous strings, mild anticipatory chatter> During the course of the audio program certain modules in particular piqued my interest - sound design, mix, and audio for video games.  So, good; I was finding direction and it was all pointing towards post production... right on.  But still, where do I sign up for the audio post jobs?  My answer came, and it came in the form of Career Services Co-Director Bruce Jaranian who encouraged me to apply for a sound design opening at Lineplot.  I applied and went for an interview, where at the conclusion I was asked to say something that would make them remember me and give me the job:  "Well…<uncomfortable pause> I want this as a career.  It's what I want to do." We soon began the first project called "Supply Shock," which, through Grand Theft Auto-style animation, explained the factors involved in the rise and fall of gas prices.  It was essentially my trial run to see if I was up for a five-part series that was next on the slate.  Over fifty hours of audio bliss later the project wrapped, was a success, and it was time to move forward. Next time - balancing the day job and freelance work, + inevitable spiritual awakenings via sleep deprivation.