Lee Nelson

                                                                                                                        comm2660

                                                                                                                          Eric Young

                                                                                                                        Production Research

I decided to do my research paper on sound mixers particularly Foley artists. This Acoustic ability really comes to those who know and acknowledge the noise around them. I have really come to appreciate Foley artists now that I have come to know a little more about how it is done. The Foley Artist that I contacted for this research is also a candidate of Out of bounds. The same company I used for my last project. His name is Quinton Odell, I had an interview with him over the phone this time and asked the basic questions that he would get if he were to go to a career day along with a few specific questions that I desired to hear about.

I asked Quinton a series of questions which went as follows:

Lee: What made you decide to become a Foley artist?

Quinton: I have always been fascinated by ambient noises and where they come from.

Lee: Where did you start your Foley process? What schooling path did you take?

Quinton: I went an interesting route, I was always interested in journalism and graduated SUU with a journalism degree. Later I went on to do an intern for Shepherd Studios as their boom operator and that is where I knew what I wanted to do. I have always been fascinated with noises and different sounds that can be made. Stevie Wonder is my favorite artist for a reason. I sometimes wish I was blind like him so that I could enjoy sound like blind folks do.

Lee: When did you decide that this was really for you.

Quinton: I had been working for shepherd for close to a year before I really decided to officially

become a true Foley.

Lee: Did you previously know any other Foley artists?

Quinton: The only other Foley artist I ever knew personally was Irvin Whinger, he was just an acquaintance of my father.

Lee: How would you pursue a career like yours if you were in my shoes as a sophomore in college?

Quinton: To be honest Lee I would ditch school in itself unless you have a lot of connections there for jobs. The field has many opportunities but they really look to experience over degrees for the most part. In particular Foley artists, they do like to see some musical background or even video making but mainly experience will get you here the soonest. I would look to work with a local studio to be their boomer if possible to at least sneak in there.

Lee: Thank you for your time Quinton, last of all I was wondering what you think about this career as a family oriented career? Is it time consuming or weak pay?

Quinton: If you are looking for a super steady pay you will not find it here... However it all depends on the studio you work with, and you are tied down at times, depending on the project at hand. For me it seems like the winter is when I am the most tied down, and summer is when I have the most time on my hands which I absolutely love.