Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521235
M OT I O N P I CTU R E S O U N D E D I TO R S 51 Our favourite Sydney pub. The Way Back (2009), (l-r) Richard King, Ron Bartlett, Andrew & Doug Hemphill. opportunities. Avram's time at USC proved to be a transformative experience as he delved into a 16mm film school bubble of Éclair and Arriflex BL cameras, Nagra II field recorders, chattering Moviolas, and the vintage USC mixing console of just eight rotary faders and rudimentary treble- bass equalization controls. The times were exciting and Avram's courses at USC provided a front- row seat to the glamour and allure of Hollywood's elite, such as Roman Polanski, Peter Yates, and Robert Altman, all of whom took part in Arthur Knight's renowned classes. Avram, like his peers, eagerly anticipated his chance to ask an impressive question in the Q&A or gain some inside information about getting work after graduation. By his senior year, he had readjusted his compass to becoming a director. In the spring of 1970, Avram was hoping to gain a few sure- bet connections generated by imagined deep discussions with famous directors and producers following their screenings. Those conversations did happen, but they weren't deep or more than 30 seconds. Still, the wished-for words were eventually said, "When you get out, come to my office and we'll talk." And then Avram knew, within every cell in his filmmaking frame, that he would explode onto the Hollywood scene within six months, hanging out with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and their posse. "Your mother and I have to save for your sister's education. You've got three months to get self-sufficient. After that, you're on your own." Upon graduating, Avram's father congratulated him and let him know that it was now time for him to take charge of his own life. While the words felt harsh, Avram knew he had a few sure-bet connections waiting for him as soon as he could step into the producer's offices. While Avram found that these connections honored their meetings, the conversations did not lead to any internships or jobs. Ten weeks and 50 persevering job calls later, when his father's allowance ran out and Avram was contemplating living in his car, the magic call came. A character actor Avram had cast in his USC 480 film was talking about a small production company looking for a director for their low-budget movie. With $35 and a jar of pickles to his name, Avram was definitely interested. Entering the North Hollywood production office on Weddington Street, which in reality was an old rundown bungalow, 22-year-old naïve Avram was about to embark on a journey into the clandestine world of "adult filmmaking." Little did he know that this same street would go on to host the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences offices and one of the most successful independent post sound houses of the '80s and '90s, Weddington Productions. Avram playing drums, 1967.