Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1500716
surprised that I won! But I would say to anyone wishing to apply that you should be sure to display your love of sound in the written application. I tried to write how I feel about sound, which definitely included geeking out a little bit. Also, if you're nominated, make sure your videos sound really good. Do you have any advice for someone starting out in the sound for film business? I think it's very important to have some knowledge of the entire film sound process, even if you only want to focus on one area. I find it super helpful for my production work to know how dialogue editing changes my tracks and how the elements that I record will end up sounding in the final mix. I've also found that saying "yes" a lot really helps, but I wouldn't use that as your only guide. Build good habits of self-care so that you avoid burnout. What's your next step? I will be graduating [at the end of this semester] and my plan is to get my footing here in Austin. The plan is to freelance production audio for the next year or so while saving money and learning how to be an adult. I really like Austin, so it's hard to pry myself away from it. But at the same time, if I don't leave in the next couple years, I fear that I never will. I've been thinking about trying to head overseas, perhaps to London or Berlin. Wherever I end up, I want to be creating with sound. Is there anything else you would like to add? I'm so honored to have been chosen as this year's winner! Thank you, CAS! I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's Student Recognition Award. And from the quality of the submissions from this and every year, I believe that sound for film is in good hands for the future. what features are like without having to prove myself to a new crew and director. In high school, my teacher Emily provided the space and support for me to keep working on films even when I was creatively struggling. My college professor, Andy Garrison, was the one to tell me to apply for the CAS Award and he encouraged me to investigate the theoretical side of sound, something which I enjoy greatly. He also drilled into my skull how sound is intimately tied to the story and how both can affect each other. I must also thank my parents for their endless support in everything— my career really wouldn't be possible without them. Do you have any stories or challenges from your path that would be fun to share? While I was still getting my footing around UT, I worked on a first-year graduate set and met a camera assistant who gave me a ride home. We had been chatting throughout the day but in the car, he pitched a documentary that he was going to shoot over a week in Mississippi—and he wanted me to run sound for it. I said yes immediately. That trip ended up being one of the best weeks of travel in my whole life. It was beautiful, it was challenging (hot!), and I learned so much about myself. The film itself was very moving and I never knew that documentaries were something that I really enjoyed working on. Since then, I've sought out a number of other nonfiction projects because I had such a good experience on that first one. What does the CAS Student Recognition Award mean to you and what will you do with the money? I am often so focused on what's coming up next or what my goals for the future are that I lose sight of where I came from, so the CAS Award is a major validation of the years of hard work that I have been putting in. Usually, the fun of working in sound is validation enough, but this is an extra delicious cherry on top. With the money, I'm looking to seriously upgrade my lav channels. Right now, I only have two Sennheiser G4's, so I'm looking for some used Lectrosonics to go in my small field bag. I could also use a super-cardioid boom mic for indoor use, but I haven't done the research yet to know exactly which one. And maybe I'll treat myself to a nice dinner, too. Having won this award, do you have any advice for someone who would like to apply for the SRA? Well, to be honest, I was a little (L-R) Student Recognition Award finalists: Maria Clara Calle, Chelsea Rae Adams, Timo Nelson (winner), Colette Grob, and Sophia White.