Bhargav Padaliya’s Post

How’s the next generation of sound professionals supposed to know what to charge if no one talks about it? 💴 It’s a question that comes up often in our circles: “What do sound editors and mixers actually make? What can a new hire expect to earn?” Breaking into post-production sound is challenging enough without wondering if you’re undervaluing yourself from the start. That’s why I created a video to dive into this topic head-on. I’m taking a real look at union rates and breaking down actual pay numbers straight from the union site. So if you’ve ever dreamed of working in post-sound—whether as a sound effects editor, sound recording mixer, or beyond—this one’s for you. Knowing the numbers can make a huge difference in how you value yourself and negotiate pay right from the beginning of your career. Check out the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gSppbA-g And even if you don’t watch, take this with you: Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to ask for it! You got this!🫵🏽 #PostSound #SoundIndustry #UnionRates #SoundMixing #CareerAdvice #AudioProfessionals #MasteringPostProductionSound

❌ "AUDIO JUST ISN'T A PRIORITY FOR US." Yep, I was told this (verbatim) not too long ago. In my line of work, I’ve had some... Enlightening conversations over the years. Through collaborations with film directors, game developers and fellow composers, I’ve noticed recurring questions and challenges when it comes to audio. To help those hiring an audio professional navigate these complexities, I’ve compiled a four-part guide sharing some of the most valuable insights I’ve gathered. Whether you’re a director, developer, or audio professional, this guide offers practical strategies for building smoother, more effective creative partnerships. Act I begins with the basics: Is audio even that important? Spoiler: absolutely. While few may state it as bluntly as above, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to truly understanding audio’s value. If you’re scoffing, thinking, "Surely NO ONE underestimates audio’s importance," Well... You’d be surprised... Or maybe you’re over there going, "Oh, here we go. Listen to the composer tell me why I should value HIS work. Not like anyone buys (insert project) for the audio." Either way, I think you'll find something of value in this post. For audio professionals, seasoned directors, and informed developers alike, it’s easy to assume its value, though is it a point we take for granted? When I heard that "audio isn’t a priority," I was left stunned. But the silver lining? It pushed me to reflect on why audio truly matters. If this post has you thinking about those reasons, that’s all the more incentive to dive into Act I: https://lnkd.in/e2ccv8yh And don’t miss it: Part 2 drops next week, covering how sound design works with scoring to elevate projects to new heights. #AudioDesign #CreativePartnerships #HiringTips #FilmProduction #GameAudio

VR MAN may have failed, but what if we reverse-engineered its mistakes? How could you create a better show? Start with a well-defined premise. Hire writers familiar with your genre. Adapt dialogue for television. Build compelling characters. Don’t shoot before your scripts are ready. Balance ambition with resources. Secure strong leadership. Plan practically, and always learn from mistakes.

I used to think people cared about why they were doing something.   Then I had an experience that showed me that some people actually couldn't care less.   After I graduated college, my university invited me back as a guest sound designer for one of their spring productions.   I was thrilled as it was the biggest sound design opportunity I had to date.   One of the novel aspects of this role as a guest designer was that I had an audio engineer who handled all the technical aspects of the audio system in the theatre so I could focus on the sound effects and artistry of what we were creating.   Previously I was always my own audio engineer.   So I set to work figuring out what I wanted from the show. I gave an initial sound plot to my audio engineer and she worked with her team to install speakers in the appropriate locations and make the system capable of what I needed.   One day I was out in the house working on the sound effects and the audio engineer came to me to ask which way the speakers onstage should be oriented.   I told her how I wanted the speakers to face, and was just about to explain what I was trying to accomplish when she walked away to keep working.   It was shocking to me at the time that someone could complete their work purely based off of simple instruction without understanding the end goal.   Understanding why was always critical to me growing up, I practically couldn't do anything unless I understood the intention behind it.   I discovered that I could drastically simplify communication with most people.   The ones who actually care why will usually ask, so there's no use boring the people who don't.   --------   If you found this insightful, consider re-sharing ♻️ and follow me to continue seeing posts about innovation and automation in engineering firms.   #Innovation #Leadership #Communication #Collaboration #Creativity #Automation #AECIndustry

Do mixing engineers and mastering engineers receive royalties or are they paid a flat rate? Typically, these individuals are paid a work for hire flat fee. Only about 1% of these engineers end up seeing royalties due to their expertise and experience. Do you want to learn more about how to negotiate from a leverage perspective? Check out the link below for a free 10 minute consultation. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gib79r-g #HTX #musiclawyer #entertainmentattorney #strictlybusiness #musicengineering #mixingandmastering #royalties #musicproduction #musicproductionrates #royaltiesandrates

IMAGINE YOU ARE THE CEO... WHAT DO YOU DO? Your video creation team is one guy... he sets up, scripts, shoots, edits and schedules all videos himself. That one person hates editing video and is very slow at it. As the CEO, do you 1) Make him pivot to only live streaming and short form video to remove 99% of the editing? 2) Hire an editor (your budget is small - hence the one bloke department)? 3) Something else?

🎧 Embrace the Journey: Taking Baby Steps in Post Production Audio 🎶 In the dynamic world of post production audio, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of our career aspirations. But remember, every great accomplishment begins with a single step! 🚀 Whether you're learning a new plug-in, honing your sound design skills, or breaking into a new niche of the industry, it's crucial to take baby steps along the way. Each small victory, each tiny improvement, brings you closer to your ultimate goal. So, celebrate those incremental wins! 🎉 They may seem insignificant in the moment, but they lay the foundation for your future success. Stay patient, stay persistent, and trust in your ability to grow. Before you know it, you'll look back and marvel at how far you've come. Keep pushing forward, fellow audio enthusiasts! Your journey may be long, but with each step, you're one step closer to achieving your dreams. You got this! 💪🎶 #PostProductionAudio #CareerGrowth #KeepMovingForward #SoundEngineer #PostProduction #Film

Here's how to send multiple streams to your room, at the same time. This is a great workflow for editors or audio engineers who want to review their video project while also sharing their timeline or workspace.  #videoeditor #audioengineer #remoteproduction #filmediting #filmscore Branko Presley

🎧 Listen with Your Eyes Closed 🎬 Every engineer in post-production should experience a film with their eyes closed. Why? Because it’s a transformative exercise. Imagine yourself on the mix stage, meticulously balancing elements; or in the editing suite, finessing dialogue; or diving into the sound design, crafting every layer. Maybe you’re even bringing scenes to life through Foley work. Getting into this mindset does more than train your ears—it sharpens your brain. If you’ve been there in your mind, you’ll find yourself there in reality. It’s like my favorite quote by Mike Dooley, “Thoughts become things.” The power of imagination is a projection of how far we want to advance, and where we ultimately want to be. The more vividly we imagine, the closer we bring those aspirations into our lives. So, next time you watch a movie, close your eyes, and let your mind take you to where you want to be. 🚀 #PostProduction #SoundDesign #AudioEngineering #MindsetMatters #ThoughtsBecomeThings