AV ProductionWorld

Jeffrey discusses his many projects and gives a preview of what he will be teaching at this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas.

What projects are on your plate for 2008?

It's a busy year this year with several projects going on simultaneously. I'm currently posting the documentary, So you want Harvey Keitel? doing both video and audio chores. Next up are two shorts, It's All a Game and an untitled one. Those will be audio-post projects and some music composing. I'm scheduled to work on an indie feature later in the year called The Killers for Xristos Productions. I will do the audio post, some composing, and perhaps some video work, editing and special effects, too. I'm also writing two books: Soundtrack Success: The Digital Storyteller's Guide to Audio Post-Production and, with Harlan Hogan, The Voice-Actor's Guide to Recording at Home and on the Road which is a second edition to our popular book for VOs. I'm also busy preparing some training videos for a few corporate clients. I also continue to consult and train on audio, video, and software. And, as always, I continue as an Adjunct instructor at the Motion Picture/Television department at the College of DuPage.

How did you get started in audio and video?

As a kid, I fell in love with the special effects movies made by Ray Harryhausen. I started making my own 8mm animated films and moved on from there. After college I fell into TV doing news and documentary, moved to a corporate environment and finally started my own company, Fisher Creative Group. During that same period I worked as a musician, started composing, and honed my audio skills. Today I do more post work, audio and video, and continue to score music, too. I also enjoy writing, so I author books, articles, and so forth to satisfy that side of my creative life.

How many hats do you wear and what techniques do you use to balance your time?

I wear all the hats and usually all at the same time on any given day. It's always a struggle to get so much done, but technology helps me as does my experience. So, like many people I multitask, moving from project to project, task to task during any given day. Time in the classroom breaks up my week and my contact with the students challenge, inspire, and energize me for when I return to the office. Also, having a part-time assistant who can take on the grunt work and mundane tasks for me can help me to focus on more creative aspects of the work.

How much time do you spend working alone vs. collaborating? Which tasks do you tackle alone and when do you open up to collaboration?

The vast majority of my time, outside of my classroom, gets spent in a dark edit bay/audio post suite working on projects alone. Though I collaborate by phone and e-mail, I work pretty much on my own. I've been fortunate enough to work with some really terrific people who understand the creative process and how professionals need time to do their work without interference. I get a long leash, and can often run with it, and then present my ideas to the client and adjust from there.

Which tools are indispensable to your workflow? (i.e. pen and paper, laptop, specific, gear or software)

I’m a long-time user of the entire Sony product line, Acid, Sound Forge, and Vegas Pro, and use those programs daily for nearly all of my work. I also have four computers, including a laptop, which helps me to get more done. One system may be tied up with a long video render, so I can do other work on another and still keep e-mail and typical business tasks going on the third. The laptop gives me the mobility I need and still get work done when I can't be in my office. I also like LogMeIn which lets me access my office computers from anywhere via the Web.

Will you be offering any upcoming training at NAB or other events?

I will once again speak at the NAB 2008 Post-ProductionWorld conference. I will be doing sessions all related to audio -- field audio, audio-post techniques, noise reduction, music scoring, and so forth. It’s quite an honor for me to be asked to speak at such a prestigious event, and I’m looking forward to sharing my ideas with those who wish to improve their own audio workflow.

What keeps you inspired?

The challenges of the work. Every project brings new problems that need solving along with new opportunities to take fresh approaches and explore new ideas and ways to present them. Though I certainly like gee-whiz technology, it's the story and message that rule. All the flash is worthless if you can't move your audience in some way. When I see the reactions to my work, and the impact it may make, that is what makes me feel inspired to get back at it for the next project.

For more information, visit Jeffrey on the Web at www.jeffreypfisher.com

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