Nick Handley, Dubbing Editor
In your own words, briefly describe your job
''I am an "Audiofile" operator in Post Production Sound, using a hard disk audio editing system and "Logic" automated sound desks. I edit the sound after the video edit, mainly from Avid systems. I aim to make the sound as smooth as possible between edits and add any music or effects that are required. I work on everything from documentaries and light entertainment to sport. When dubbing I mainly work with a Sound Supervisor but will soon be mixing as well as editing. In addition to this I now work in the studio production environment as a Gram Op, playing music and effects into the studio. It is also my responsibility for ensuring that all shows are recorded onto audio multitrack tapes for future use in the dubs. Both studio and post roles require a knowledge of the environment and to act as support for the Supervisor.''
How did you get into the industry?
''After A levels I did a 2 year B-tech in media studies and onto a 3 year BA(Hons) Degree in Media Production and Management. When I left college I started at The London Studios as a Technical runner working in the Post Production Dept.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''The first two years of the Degree, which formed an HND, mainly because it contained a lot of practical work and then my first couple of years here. College allowed me to learn the basics but I soon realised that things are very much different when you leave. Never set your sights too high when you start out, with the right attitude you can go along way quickly.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''There is a boom in TV production due to the increasing number of channels, hopefully people will get the training and assistance that I did when I was new to the industry instead of being used.''
What do you think employers are looking for at this level?
''Employers want someone who is keen and eager to learn about the areas they work in. Have the ability to be flexible in what they do and have good communication skills. You are expected to work with people from within the company and clients from outside, so being polite to everyone is always a bonus. They are always looking for people to train and nuture into the department and are probably looking for someone who can adapt and fit into new surroundings quickly whilst maintaining their enthusiasm.''
In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?
''Show commitment to the job, ask questions but know when not to. Show an interest and passion for something without harassing staff. The best thing to do is get on with your job to the best of your ability, if you work hard and are efficient it gets noticed, often by the people who matter. Being friendly around the work place allows you to talk to people when they are not too busy and if you are not overly pushy, people want to help.''
How do you go about persuading your head of department to give you more responsibility?
''Prove that you are capable of taking the extra resonsibility in the work that you do, they will know what you are or are not able to do. If you get the opportunity to do more be sensible and don't take on more than you can handle - you could get into real problems.''
How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?
''Journals, trade shows, e-mail user groups and chatting with people in the industry.''
How do you go about finding the next job?
''Networking seems to work - who you know not what you know. Not always the case but people go places by meeting at facilities and on productions. If you are good at your job then people may come to you! Otherwise keep an eye on the usual job pages in Broadcast or The Guardian.''
''I am an "Audiofile" operator in Post Production Sound, using a hard disk audio editing system and "Logic" automated sound desks. I edit the sound after the video edit, mainly from Avid systems. I aim to make the sound as smooth as possible between edits and add any music or effects that are required. I work on everything from documentaries and light entertainment to sport. When dubbing I mainly work with a Sound Supervisor but will soon be mixing as well as editing. In addition to this I now work in the studio production environment as a Gram Op, playing music and effects into the studio. It is also my responsibility for ensuring that all shows are recorded onto audio multitrack tapes for future use in the dubs. Both studio and post roles require a knowledge of the environment and to act as support for the Supervisor.''
How did you get into the industry?
''After A levels I did a 2 year B-tech in media studies and onto a 3 year BA(Hons) Degree in Media Production and Management. When I left college I started at The London Studios as a Technical runner working in the Post Production Dept.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''The first two years of the Degree, which formed an HND, mainly because it contained a lot of practical work and then my first couple of years here. College allowed me to learn the basics but I soon realised that things are very much different when you leave. Never set your sights too high when you start out, with the right attitude you can go along way quickly.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''There is a boom in TV production due to the increasing number of channels, hopefully people will get the training and assistance that I did when I was new to the industry instead of being used.''
What do you think employers are looking for at this level?
''Employers want someone who is keen and eager to learn about the areas they work in. Have the ability to be flexible in what they do and have good communication skills. You are expected to work with people from within the company and clients from outside, so being polite to everyone is always a bonus. They are always looking for people to train and nuture into the department and are probably looking for someone who can adapt and fit into new surroundings quickly whilst maintaining their enthusiasm.''
In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?
''Show commitment to the job, ask questions but know when not to. Show an interest and passion for something without harassing staff. The best thing to do is get on with your job to the best of your ability, if you work hard and are efficient it gets noticed, often by the people who matter. Being friendly around the work place allows you to talk to people when they are not too busy and if you are not overly pushy, people want to help.''
How do you go about persuading your head of department to give you more responsibility?
''Prove that you are capable of taking the extra resonsibility in the work that you do, they will know what you are or are not able to do. If you get the opportunity to do more be sensible and don't take on more than you can handle - you could get into real problems.''
How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?
''Journals, trade shows, e-mail user groups and chatting with people in the industry.''
How do you go about finding the next job?
''Networking seems to work - who you know not what you know. Not always the case but people go places by meeting at facilities and on productions. If you are good at your job then people may come to you! Otherwise keep an eye on the usual job pages in Broadcast or The Guardian.''
