Department Function
Sound editing and cleaning up on-set recorded audio, designing sound effects and ambiences, recording Foley, recording ADR and mixing all elements (Dialogue, Music and Effects) to create the Final Mix.
Working in this Department
Post audio can be divided into 2 stages which are editing and mixing. During the editing process sounds are created, recorded, edited and refined. After all sounds have been created, the mixing process starts which takes on the task of bringing all the elements of the soundtrack together, defining volume levels, adding effects to blend the elements within the environment, and balance the overall soundtrack of the project.
Knowledge
Each position needs a specific set of skills and knowledge. On the technical side there’s the use of recording equipment, sound design software, plugins, synths, mixing hardware, etc. On the creative side, there needs to be a vision to create the whole soundscape of a project, support the story and deliver a soundtrack that keeps the viewer immersed in the show.
Job Roles
Typically these jobs are freelance based on a project’s schedule.
Some supervision or mixing positions can turn into full time employment.
Sound Assistant (Entry Level)
Assistant Sound Effects Editor
Assistant Dialogue Editor
ADR Recordist/Mixer
Sound Effects Editor
Background Editor
Dialogue Editor
Foley Recordist
Foley Artist
Studio Technician
Sound Designer
Supervising Sound Editor
Re-Recording Mixer
Sound Supervisor
Experience
Sound Supervisors/Sound Designers and re-recording mixers are the positions that require the most experience, while sound Assistants are entry level. Those interested in post audio will need to have had schooling in this sector as a mandatory base level requirement.
Union or Non Union
Though some positions can be contracted within the union IATSE 891 (Supervising Sound Editor, Assistant Dialogue Editor, Sound Effects Editor, Assistant Sound Effects Editor), Vancouver normally packages the labour as non-union under one vendor.
