Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1532010
40 S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y importance of creating sound with all three frequency elements to hedge your bets by hitting all the key points. "Design defensively and give something for every piece of the spectrum," Jamie Hardt emphasizes. "Being 'Mad Hatters' is more of a left brain-right brain endeavor," Joe noted. He then asked the panel about how they tackle different shows that present a wide variety of challenges. "It's less about fulfilling a function and more about doing it with style," shared Jamey Scott. It's about having a fully sculpted artistic vision and, even though it changes with each film, there are overriding attributes that you bring to the table. Tony adds by saying that it's something that comes with a lot of seat time, and preparation up front with the entire team is key. Jamie Hardt observed, "A mixer and supervisor have very different relationships with the client. It is paramount to manage client expectations as each one has a different idea of how their time is going to be used over the creative process." As a business owner, Kate accentuated the importance of being solution-oriented rather than taking a finger-pointing stance. "When something great happens, it is a mix stage conversation. If there is a problem, it is a personal conversation," says Kate. Joe steered the conversation toward the future and presented the panel with the AI question. The key point the entire panel echoes is that, while the technology has great potential, the main promise is that it has to enable an artist to create art and not replace them. Jamie Hardt noted that people thought Foley walkers would be replaced by drum machines 20 years ago, but that never happened. "We are helping tell a part of the story that the filmmakers don't have the vernacular or the keywords to tell. We're taking the story, bridging scenes, making you understand what is important and ignoring what's not to help the listener focus," added Kate. As we neared the end of the discussion, Joe asked the panelists what their most important advice would be for someone building a career in sound and aspiring to be a mad hatter like them. Jamey Scott highlighted the necessity to nurture a public persona to survive in this industry as a creative person, "You have to become the kind of person that people want to work with." Tony added, "Never be afraid of the hard thing. That will give you the most growth and most confidence in what you're doing and will always pay off." All the panelists have had a long, slow journey to get to where they are now. Tony feels, "You never want to rest on your laurels. It's all about taking all those experiences and building on them over time." "Always be in the part of the pool where your toes are not touching," Jamie Hardt challenged, adding, "be open to take risks and see the creative potential and any possibility. There are no small jobs." Kate likens sessions with clients to hosting someone at your house and making them comfortable. "You want to be a 'Yes, and' person instead of a 'No, but' person. That way, it becomes a collaboration and helps you build on their idea." Joe agreed and added, "It also has to do with confidence in yourself. Everyone approaches sound differently and we bring who we are to each project. I may not get hired again for whatever reason, but I am going to give it my best." Kate brought up another great point. "Instead of going to your boss and telling them that you think you should be at a certain place, tell them I think I should be there, but I am not yet there. What can I do to get there?" That is a great conversation which will be appreciated. Jamey Scott seconded Kate's opinion and gave us a great quote to finish with. "The sound business is a very rare bastion of meritocracy. You don't get to where you think you should be until you've earned it." L-R: Kate Finan CAS MPSE, Jamie Hardt MPSE, Tony Lamberti CAS MPSE, Jamey Scott MPSE, and Joe Dzuban CAS