Turtlerock Forum

Hi guys,

I'm posting this in here because it's not strictly a debatable (forum) topic, so this is the closest.

Lately I've been thinking about expanding the range of what I do and I have some spare time at the moment to delve into some 'in the field' training; especially whilst I get this new space up and running properly. I'm a big advocate of broadening skill sets, but have also learnt that oftentimes in this game things don't just fall into your lap without a going headfirst into something.

I've been very interested in location recording for TV/film, but I don't know anyone working in this area. If there is anyone in Melbourne who heads a crew or is part of one and could do with an extra set of hands, I would be happy to assist. I don't see this so much as a back step, but a sideways one to gain an good insight and working knowledge, and I work bloody hard at whatever I throw myself into. i.e. you would be getting someone who hits the ground running.

I know it's specialised work - and often requires the recordist have their own gear - but I am prepared to invest in some essentials if it means I will get the use out of them. I've been looking around at such gear to see what I'm up against anyway and depending on the situation and/or advice I can find, should be able to equip myself reasonably quickly.

It's something I've been thinking about for some time, and I know we're all into helping each other out in this forum if we can so I thought I'd do a shout-out.

Thanks a bunch,

Dave

Rick/Someone - may as well delete this, it's not getting much lovin' : )

David - I don't know if many location guys hang out here.
But it wouldn't hurt to find out who the best guys are from someone in TV or advertising and offer your services.
With the state of the film and TV industry's I would imagine a lot have moved on.
For eg - one of my best mates in Sydney is a sound editor with a wall full of AFI nominations and awards - and he worked constantly for decades - and now works for the national archives as there is rarely enough work.
Other great guys in film with hundreds of feature film credits are gardening, unemployed, or moved on to other fields.
TV industry is gradually going down the same path as they become irrelevant due to the internet.
I wish it were not this way - such amazing talents gone forever!
The film industry will never go back to those days because the tax breaks changed - another J Howard horrible legacy.
The film industry rallied against him so he changed the tax rules on film investment to shut them up.
I'll always hate the puny little man.

Chris is spot on. (Especially the bit about that vindictive little eyebrow farmer). It's the same in the studio game, as I think many here will attest. (Ok, I'm one of the home based operators that's causing some of the decline...! )

I also know of guys who have written or co-written well known songs over a 20 or more year period, performed with countless household names, and are now grabbing whatever gigs come along and mowing lawns or whatever just to make ends meet. I'm talking seriously talented people too.

I've been trying to get into location / live recording too, not so much film but music etc, but it's hard. Even though I aim for a high quality product, any joe-blow with a laptop and a $500 interface can have a crack at it for themselves, so why hire someone like me?

It's tough, but I hope you find someone who can help you out. Without at least a contact, it can be very hard to break into, even if you want to just up-skill. Those 'in the game' tend to be very protective of their territory too. My 'opposite' approach of collaboration and sharing of knowledge has literally cost me work at times, but that's life and I sleep well for it! (Perhaps I need to stop teaching clients how to do my job....LOL)

Hope to bump into you around the traps sometime as another "southerner".....

Cheers