Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545099
16 M PS E . O R G Angelo Palazzo Sound Effects Editor/Sound Designer Breaking and entering into post- production sound for me was, for the most part, unplanned and serendipitous. Music was my main focus and ever since I was 14 years old, I wanted nothing more than to be in a band, make records, and tour. However, I was never quite certain how I could make a real living or a life doing that. At the end of high school, I had been accepted to Berklee College of Music but also had offers through my track and field career and ultimately, decided to accept a track scholarship to UCLA. While there, I majored in anthropology but also worked part time on campus as a sound mixer for the various live shows and venues. When I graduated, the most useful skill I had was live sound mixing, so I got work at various clubs around L.A. BREAKING ENTERING & out it was the right fork to go down! I ended up going to CSUN as an English major. I started "working" with my mom cataloging her sound effects library. I stopped college when I got the opportunity to have a "real" job— being the apprentice sound editor on a Mark Rydell-directed film, Cinderella Liberty. Yes, my mom was the supervising sound editor but she did not believe in nepotism and said, "If you want a job in the industry, you'll have to get it yourself." It was dear Donn Cambern, the film editor (and later, President of the Editors Guild), who had to check the availability roster and declared that the 10 people who were potentially "available for work" were unfit for the job. I was accepted into the Motion Picture Editors Guild in 1973. I was 20. What a blessing that was. Every job I did (and still do), I do with enthusiasm, with curiosity, with caring and with the humility to know that I don't know everything—that there is always something to learn. Even now—50 years later. Post-production is a tough place to be, especially as a mom. I never saw my mom so much when I was younger because she had to work, so when I got the chance to work with her, I jumped at it. Knowing people in the business can be helpful to get your foot in the door but if you are not good, you won't stay there. And when I had kids, I realized just how hard post-production is on family units. I know many children of industry people; kids like me, who got into the business because of their parents but didn't last long because you can only go so far on your parents' coattails. This is a business of networking. When I was young, you learned from your editors. There were no film schools teaching post-production. You learned as an apprentice for a few years, then as an assistant editor for a few more years before you could move up to editor. Being successful in post- production (or really, any job), you need to love what you do. If you don't love it, get out. You could love any job even if it seems menial to some people. Be the best at whatever you're doing. Don't skip steps. That's what gets you noticed—that's what gets you hired. And keeps you working. People notice the extra mile, the extra effort. And it's not just for them. You need to do it for yourself. My mom used to say, "You're only as good as your last reel." Meaning, your work is your reputation. Take pride in what you do. I learned from Mark Rydell that it doesn't matter if you're the director or a janitor, you are part of the machinery that makes the movie! Your attitude and demeanor are important. People like working with nice people! No one will know the time you spent getting your tracks to sound good. It's the quality and the result that will be noticed. The effort you put in is up to you. My motto is "If it sounds good—it is good!" How it sounds good is the art that you learn from experience. "When I look at successful people in our industry, I see that their willingness, enthusiasm, being part of a collaboration, dedication, excitement, curiosity and thirst for knowledge are a big part of their success—no matter if a career is 'handed down,' or from being in the right place at the right time or hard- won. Those qualities, along with talent, will get you jobs." When I look at successful people in our industry, I see that their willingness, enthusiasm, being part of a collaboration, dedication, excitement, curiosity and thirst for knowledge are a big part of their success—no matter if a career is "handed down," or from being in the right place at the right time or hard-won. Those qualities, along with talent, will get you jobs.