Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1469840
C A S Q U A R T E R L Y I S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 65 there. I don't think it would feel as rewarding if I hadn't fully put my work out on the chopping block like I did. Do you have any advice for someone starting out in sound for film? Unless they have some sort of generational film dynasty lottery, no one makes it in this industry as a "lone wolf." Approach work as a way to find amazing people to be a part of your life. I love sound with all my heart, but it wouldn't mean anything if I didn't get to share it with people. Choose what you're interested in and do everything in your power to master that craft. Use your anxiety about the future to your benefit; channel that energy into your work. Experiment, set aside time to make art that's just for yourself! Do you have any stories or challenges from your path that would be fun to share? Uh, well, there's always the first film I ever supervised and mixed in multichannel. It was sophomore year, and I had hopped on this big capstone animation thesis called Monkey Thief. Originally, I thought I would have eight weeks to complete the post in the studios at SCAD. However, COVID-19 had other plans. Suddenly, I had four weeks for post, and I would be doing everything remotely in my parents' house. Cue the Wilhelm scream! Let's just say that anything is possible if you have a 30-foot HDMI cable, permission to use your dad's "man cave" home theater, and are willing to venture through a cable-infested crawl space akin to Rob Reiner's "Fire Swamp." Who have been the people that have influenced you the most and what did you receive from them? Bear with me please, this is gonna be a long answer! Number one on the list is definitely my upbringing. My family has always approached work as something you never do half- heartedly. From the beginning, I always had examples of hard work and dedication. The older I get, the more thankful I am for that. The same goes for my friends. I have such kind, funny, and amazingly talented friends who have supported me and pushed me to be my absolute best self. There are so many films and TV shows I could name that have influenced my sonic aesthetic. I am not going to try to list them because that would be impossible. I think more importantly, I should say that studying at SCAD has . given me the ability to fall in love with sound a million times over. A lot of this is attributed to the fact that many of my professors have graciously sacrificed a lot of their free time to mentor me. Professor Robin Beauchamp, who nominated me, has been very involved in my education in post-production audio. I've learned so much about signal flow because of him. He's an incredible educator who works very hard to help his students prepare for the workforce. David E. Stone, who retired from his professorship last year. He not only taught me so much about sound for film, but about how to make the best of your life. He also has given me the opportunity to speak with so many industry professionals for which I am forever indebted to him for. Professor Jamie Baker has always been incredibly supportive of my work. "Enthusiastic" would be an understatement in describing her reaction when I've asked for guidance in both Foley and mixing. She's wicked smart in the recording studio and I couldn't be more grateful I get to learn from her. Professor Matthew Akers has been supportive of me, even before I had a class with him. He's been instrumental in teaching me about sound design and "sound art for the soul." His classes are always inspiring me to push myself into, maybe sometimes challenging and uncomfortable, creative journeys that have led me to incredibly fulfilling end products. I also would be remiss if I didn't mention our department chair, Mitch Gettleman. I had him for my first class: "Intro to Sound Design for Film and Television." He is extremely dedicated to giving the students the support and resources they need to succeed. He is always fighting for us "sound kids" to get great opportunities. What's your next step? Moving to L.A. is my top priority after I get my diploma come June. I was already sold on the Valley, but the people I met at the CAS Awards really solidified this decision. After being in COVID lockdown for a while, I forgot just how nice it is to just meet new people in person who are as passionate as yourself! Everyone there was so welcoming and inspiring, I can't wait to be part of this community. My first goal is to get some sort of entry-level position at a studio such as training to be a mix tech or an assistant editor. But honestly, I will run errands and get coffee if it means I get to learn from people like the CAS folks I met that night. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you so much to the CAS as a whole (Karol Urban CAS MPSE rocks!) and to you for interviewing me! Lily Adams. Photo: Alex J. Berliner