Boston Section

On December 11th, Boston AES held it's annual Holiday Party at Futura Productions in Roslindale, MA. The theme for the evening was "Jobs in Audio in 2008."

The feature of the night was a panel discussion with six great professionals. Moderated by Adrian Gates of Ampossible Audio/ Media, the panel consisted of Mitch Bosse, a live sound contractor, John Garrett, a recording contractor for film and video, the New England Institute of Art's Audio Program Career Advisor Tai Irwin, noted audio journalist Paul Lehrman, Mike Letourneau from Soundtrack Studios in Boston, and Julie Viscardi of Bay State Community College.

Discussion focused on topics for both students and those at the start of their careers as well as seasoned professionals. Panelists advised the assembly to remain upbeat and focused. Tai Irwin and Julie Viscardi touted their student's ability to find work out of school as proof of a healthy job scene. Tai said that a great majority of his students had been employed in the first year on the market.

The freelancers emphasized the importance of networking. John Garrett said the best way to break into sound for film is to help out someone who is breaking into making films. By building up your clients and going to great lengths to aid them, they will speak well of you to other potential clients. Mitch added that sometimes to help serve those clients, you need to be prepared to be available when they need help, including times many other people choose not to work.

As the discussion turned briefly to what software it was best to learn, Paul Lehrman advised that it was best to learn the principles and not the tools. "We should learn carpentry, not hammer."

Mike Letourneau also offered to the audience that being willing to try new things was a great benefit. He mentioned how he offered to work as a guitarist and songwriting contributor for his studio when he was not scheduled to assist. This made him more valuable since he was doing more than just the workload others had been doing.

In summary, not only was it a great night to socialize and network with Boston's proaudio community, but a chance to get some advice on starting and sustaining a career.