courtesy ell brown
Shortly after the new year I made a list. It was my sound effects new year’s resolution list for 2012.
There were a dozen things on that list. Some were mundane tasks that I needed to finally complete. Some were exciting ideas like creating field recording apps and new websites. Others were events I wanted to record like races or festivals.
It’s now mid-May and that list keeps growing.
What about you? Is your ‘to record’ sound effects list outracing what you’re editing? Do you look back on your work week exhausted but have trouble naming exactly what you’ve done? Do you wish you could be doing more?
All this has made me think about the role of productivity in sound.
When people say they’re productive they mean they get things done. Sometimes it means doing things faster or better. It’s crossing off lists.
It’s no different with sound pros. It could be finishing designing the sound concept of a video game character. It could be capturing a 300 sound effects a year. Perhaps you need to deliver a completed TV episode by Friday.
I’ve been thinking lately how productivity applies to sound effects libraries, field recording and sound professionals. It’s actually a bit strange. I think sound pros face a unique challenge when trying to be productive.
In today’s article I’ll explain why. I’ll write why productivity works differently for sound effects field recordists and editors. I’ll share some ideas on how you can boost productivity and achieve goals.
In the following weeks I’ll offer specific tricks and tips for getting sound tasks done faster and better.
