Finding work in audio

Times are Changing

   Times are changing for the audio guy/gal.  There are many promising avenues to pursue a gig and just as many dead ends.  In this article I’ll describe a few scenarios which may help the modern day freelance audio enthusiast.  There are many fields of audio production from full compositions to sound effects.  Writing interactive scores to writing songs.  Even if you’re a studio junky and are mixing and mastering the options are there.

Where to Start

     With all of the social media sites, job boards and freelance sites available it can be a bit overwhelming to try to find a gig.  Also having to register and fill out dozens of profiles on these sites can be very time consuming and not very stimulating.  However not doing any of the above will leave you stranded.  So where do you start?  It depends on what field you’re trying to pursue.  You shouldn’t limit yourself to just a single profession.  More than likely what you want to do isn’t what you’ll start to do.  Cast a wide net and entertain the areas you’re comfortable in.

dreamstime_17115801Compile your  information

     It makes sense that if you’re going to embark on this journey you’ll need to have all your info ready to go.  You can copy and paste most of the mundane details in registration forms and use the same browser every time so your details are saved.  Here’s a short list of most of the basic information you’ll want to have.

  • Biography/EPK
  • PRO info
  • Music you’re pitching
  • Resume/Cover Letter
  • Spreadsheet
  • Links

     If you have all of this information ready it’ll make your workload less of a hassle when you get to it.  Research the field you’re looking to work in and span out to related fields.  Register for as many profiles you can maintain that have thriving networks.  The key is to find an audience and a market that isn’t as saturated as Facebook and Twitter etc.

Try this at home

     Building your relationships both virtual and in real life are paramount to your next gig.  Cold emailing and blind friend requests are not going to work most of the time.  Many professionals are bombarded daily by starving artists so the idea that you’re Neo “The One” is fiction.  Starting from the bottom is better than not starting at all.  Do a lot of research on licensing, libraries, indie projects, start up companies in your field/locale and projects up and coming.  Chances are if you have an acquaintance or connection in your news feed with a project your interested in working on they’ll be more open to speaking with you about it when you approach with “Hey director X I see you’re shopping a screenplay for Y movie.  Any chance you’re looking for a BLANK professional to do SUCH and SUCH?”  I think a lot of it is the angle of approach and familiarity with your name/face/brand.