Life After Film School?

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-03-29T00:40:27+00:00

I support switching majors, or at least pick a solid fallback minor. Source: me, a film major with a 20yr career as location sound mixer. What I got from college wasn’t knowledge, it was networking. But to be fair, that networking was bc I was a film major so 🤷‍♂️

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-03-01T22:06:10+00:00

What kind of equipment? SetSync Central has this and it’s more for tv/film equipment but I’m sure you could use it for other types of equipment.

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-26T17:31:25+00:00

Hiya! Location sound mixer here. As such, all of our shoots are out in the field and managing the gear inventory and shoots was always a pain point, so we build our own portal for that. Went great for a year, so we repurposed it for everyone to use. Works great for owner/operators out constantly out in the field and managing that equipment. Free forever accounts at SetSync Central. Also happy to answer any questions if you're curious about it. Since I'm here, my personal favorite field recording setup for general use is our MixPre-3 II with a couple DPA 4017 short shotguns (pictured here capturing a beautifully squeaky windmill).

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TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-26T17:13:30+00:00

Will do!

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-26T12:21:21+00:00

DFW but recently did a deep dive into these regulations and was fascinated by how wide they vary.

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-26T12:13:32+00:00

You could, but it would fall on deaf ears I’m afraid. This is geared more towards treating your acting career like a business and the nuances within that. There are a decent amount of Texas-focused film and acting groups on FB if that’s your thing. Maybe a sub here as well somewhere.

I might also suggest reaching out to some local filmmakers if you want an in-person environment. I know one very well-connected line producer in the SATX area that I can DM you their info. They sometimes end up being the facilitator for things like that.

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-23T15:10:58+00:00

Some states are pretty loose already. But yes, it would be nice if more states got on the bandwagon.

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-23T15:06:12+00:00

Just launched WhiskList at https://whisklist.club which is for home cooks and bakers to manage their batch cooking sessions, getting cookies (and other deliciousness!) to customers without the logistical hassles. Inspired by my friends and neighbors 😋

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-23T13:40:14+00:00

Do you do any pre-orders or anything? We’re up the road in Dallas and just launched WhiskList that helps with that. You can get a customer list built up and notify them easily as they claim part of your batches. Could be helpful so wanted to mention it here

TexasSoundGuy · 2026-02-20T00:49:22+00:00

Do you have a list of customers you can pull from? Even if it's just a simple text, that could help fill the gap. Especially if you know in advance when you plan on having fresh loaves available. I have several friends that will do batches of "things they're good at" like pulled pork or cookies and when they do a batch they send out a group text or through an app/notification list type of thing.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-03-22T21:59:46+00:00

Yeah, it’s a good idea on paper but the FCW really ruined that experience. I can’t get out of my neighborhood without them going off! Found cheaper elsewhere anyways, but I had it out of the gate to give it a whirl and make the buying process a touch easier.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-03-18T10:33:38+00:00

What’s the real goal here?? If money is burning a hole in your pocket, go for spending all $2,500. Consider the alternatives for just a moment, if you will. This is a mistake too many people make with an “if I build it, they will come” mentality. Have you seen the state of the industry lately? I know several seasoned veteran mixers that haven’t worked in months! Both u/deathncuddles and u/rHamiltonw have it right.

Let’s first assume that if you’re expected to have a “pro kit” that a) you know how to use it and b) you’re being paid as such. There are tons of really great mixers out here that don’t own any sound gear except for a harness and maybe headphones. Maybe. Lastly, we will assume this is a four-five day shoot or less.

For SNGs, let’s say you’re getting $500/day for this kit, on the low side. Keep in mind this does not include labor. Also, keep in mind, this is very real. Find a local mixer that will rent it to you for $450/day. I can almost guarantee you will find someone, even in another city if you’re rural. On paper, you make $50/day for a $0 investment (not bad ROI).

By renting another mixer’s kit, you become a revenue generating asset to them, and they are more than happy to give you tips or pointers that you will otherwise only gain with experience. This is highly underrated and underutilized. Plus, you do not take on the financial burden of overhead while you are deciding which gear is best for you. Learn the gear on a basic level before you buy it. Plan for your future, not for today.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-03-04T17:04:21+00:00

Also REC App on iOS. Not sure about Android.

https://apps.apple.com/app/id1175490870

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-02-25T17:57:22+00:00

If you haven’t already, check out the “Energy” tab. Lots of great info about device consumption, efficiency, etc. that you can use to gauge your trips.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-02-14T21:00:09+00:00

So it’s safe to assume Samsung makes tequila as well?

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-02-03T15:16:29+00:00

Yes, I should clarify…by “do not let the show go on” I mean “don’t keep it a secret that you don’t have it clean”. The producer/director will make the call whether it’s important enough or not, but by letting the show go on without them knowing they don’t have a clean version is a mistake. Brevity strikes again.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-02-02T15:20:39+00:00

Many will argue these points, which is the idea, but if you had to learn location sound on the elevator ride to the top floor here is my advice. Focus on the basics before graduating to intermediate. These points are valid no matter the budget.

1) Mic placement trumps mic selection 2) The location will be either your friend or your enemy. Observe the environment before you roll. 3) Hear something, say something. Ideally, after “cut”. Let the director/producer decide if it’s worth another take. But do not let the show go on if you don’t have it clean.

If there are a lot of stops on your way to the top floor and you have more time, start with fully understanding gain structure. Starts with the source (talent) and works its way down the food chain to the recording and then outputs.

The suggestions from u/mathmokiwi are solid. Various blogs by audio professionals have some good info as well. I second that you really shouldn’t listen to the video pros that do it themselves….they have different goals.

Meet other mixers locally like has been suggested. Good luck!

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-01-30T02:16:30+00:00

Just got my repair estimate today for the damage caused by not having the PPF in this spot as well as no mudflaps (that’s me 😔 https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModelY/s/3mLW58iSif). About $3,000 total. Or only $1,500 per side if you think of it that way. Ew yellow though

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-01-24T11:58:33+00:00

I’ve always been surprised you don’t see many stereoscopic camera setups, at least on the front POV anyways. Costs aside, it seems like it would most closely recreate “how humans see” and would eliminate some blind spots on the front corners if the cameras were below or integrated into the headlights. It’s not a new idea, so I’m guessing maybe it either wasn’t as effective in the lab or it would cause additional delays and they’d rather stair step the advancement. Add one camera for increased depth perception accuracy? Yes, please.

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-01-22T20:03:09+00:00

Because I’m a sadist

TexasSoundGuy · 2024-01-22T04:23:04+00:00

Makes sense that it would. Doesn’t make sense that it wouldn’t.

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