In a recent discussion with sound designer and FX editor, Charles Maynes, I was struck by something he said; “Are we positioning ourselves as service providers or are we positioning ourselves as collaborators?” I found it insightful. As a professional I’ve always tried to imbue a stakeholder mentality into projects I’m involved with. It has nothing to do with money, it has more to do with ownership. As someone once said to me; “The reason people drop popcorn in the movie theatre is because they don’t own the theatre.”
I shared Charles’ comment with my peers and invited them to comment. It became clear that for many this was their desired modus operandi, however some felt that even when they wanted to have that mentality they were still treated like the hired-help.
BAFTA nominated Dialogue/ADR/Supervising Sound Editor Chris Roberts asked;
“What happens if we position ourselves as, and have the mindset of collaborators, but are seen and treated as service providers?”
Re-recording Mixer / Sound Editor / Sound Designer, James David Redding III M.P.S.E. had similar thoughts;
“I always go in with the mindset of a collaborator, but unfortunately lots of times I am treated as a service provider.”
I thought this was a subject worth exploring with the professional audio community, I encourage feedback at the end. Again, I want to stress, this isn’t about points on a project, or additional financial renumeration, it’s about the attitude with which we approach the work.
The Nature of Collaboration in Audio Production
Collaboration in audio production isn’t just about working alongside others; it's about integrating one's expertise and vision to enhance the project. This means contributing not only technical skills but also creative ideas, and potentially influencing the project’s overall direction. It transforms the role of the audio professional into that of a creative partner.
Recording Mixer, Sound Designer, Owner, Pure Sound Post and Audio Pro Network, Joe Miuccio put it like this;
“When I first started in audio post I was employed by film editors that treated me as a collaborator. That collab mind set was further solidified in me as I witnessed how they collaborated with directors and producers in their work. I'm so grateful for that education. I carried this mindset with me for my entire career and it's how I've kept clients for decades and keep new first time clients coming back. When a new client engages with me, they know instantly that I'm dedicated to the success of their project. However there are some clients that don't want a collaborator / stakeholder mentality. Those people don't gravitate towards me and that's ok.”
Factors Influencing Collaborative Relationships
1. Client’s Perception and Expectations
The feasibility of adopting a collaborative approach heavily depends on how clients perceive audio professionals. If clients see them merely as service providers, the scope for significant input into the project might be limited. In contrast, clients who view audio professionals as creative partners are likely to value and seek out their opinions and ideas, setting the stage for a more collaborative relationship.
2. Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of collaboration. This includes articulating ideas clearly, listening to feedback, and being open about expectations and limitations. Transparent communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are aligned in their vision and objectives.
3. Trust and Respect
Trust is foundational in enabling a collaborative environment. Clients must trust the audio professional’s skills, expertise, and creative vision. Likewise, professionals must trust the client’s direction and intentions. Mutual respect allows each party to feel valued, encouraging a more open exchange of ideas.
I recall on, what is now a large client for me, in the early projects I was simply doing what was asked. However, once we had a couple of large projects delivered successfully, I then felt able to suggest some ideas and push back on their own. Banking some credibility with a new client by delivering impressive results helps change the dynamic.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability
Collaboration often requires flexibility. Audio professionals might need to adapt their methods or embrace new ideas that align with the client’s vision. Similarly, clients might need to be flexible in terms of timeframes, budgets, or creative direction, depending on the feedback and advice from their audio team. This may be the real fly in the ointment, as often audio, especially in post is seen as a necessary evil, or something that ‘there’s no budget for!’
5. Experience and Portfolio
An audio professional’s experience and past work can significantly influence a client’s willingness to collaborate. A robust portfolio and a track record of successful delivery make a strong case for a professional’s capability not only to deliver technically but also to contribute creatively.
6. Project Scope and Complexity
The nature of the project itself can dictate the level of collaboration required. More complex projects, such as those involving extensive sound design or innovative audio concepts, might naturally require closer cooperation between clients and audio professionals. Simple projects might not benefit as much from a deeply collaborative approach.
Webby Award Nominated Re-Recording Mixer and Sound Designer Gregory C. Vilfranc, MPSE, said;
“I think you can be both. It’s possible to be a collaborative service provider. At the end of the day, it’s that approach that has kept my clients coming back. They know my team will ultimately get the job done and done well, but through a collaborative lens, a figurative round table is always available for all of us to come together to help shape the project.”
Developing a Stakeholder Mentality
For audio professionals, adopting a stakeholder mentality means we look beyond the immediate task to understand the broader implications of our work. This involves considering how audio elements can enhance the overall narrative, be that picture or music, the emotional impact of sound choices, and how these choices help achieve the project's objectives.
Grammy award winning Producer, William Wittman;
“I center any project with the attitude that I expect to be a collaborator. If it ends up that they need or want any input beyond ‘providing a service’ that also fine.
But 95% of the time I find that expecting to be creatively involved leads to being creatively involved. Perhaps this also says something about who hires me.”
International score and re-recording mixer, Roger Guerin CAS MSPE, was in no doubt about how he felt;
“I have to admit when a project is on my hard drives it doesn’t take long that it’s … our project, our film. Collaborator all the way. “
1. Engage with the Project Vision
Although from the feedback I’ve had since asking this question, plenty of audio professionals want to approach the work with a stakeholder mentality, some still want to be a gun-for-hire. If a client has experienced this on past projects then it might take some time to help them appreciate a different and more holistic approach to the working relationship. Professionals should seek to understand and engage with the overall vision of the project. This means asking questions, proposing ideas, and sometimes challenging the client’s assumptions in a constructive way, all aimed at enhancing the project’s outcomes. Again, your past record is going to determine how hard you can push this door. At the end of the day, some clients don’t want to hear your ideas, however passionate you are.
2. Contribute Beyond Technical Expertise
While technical expertise is crucial, contributing creative ideas and understanding the emotional and narrative context of the project can set a professional apart as a true collaborator. In my experience, most clients value different perspectives, in some cases it’s not what we say but how we say it. There’s a wonderful African proverb; “You can make anyone swallow ants as long as you cover them in chocolate first.” In some ways the real test is how we respond when a client pushes back on an idea, there’s a lot you can learn about a person when you say no to them.
3. Maintain Professional Integrity
Even in a collaborative relationship, maintaining a sense of professional integrity is important. This means being honest about what is or isn’t possible within the given constraints and always aiming to deliver the highest quality work. This is a real case of under-promising and over-delivering. If we fail to deliver on our grand master plan, based on our suggestions, then it’s worse than not delivering on what they wanted in the first place. When we make suggestions and they not only deliver but delight the client then we’ve proved that we are worth trusting.
Studio owner, engineer and producer, Steve De Mott is in no doubt;
“Absolutely collaborators. As soon as I start working with someone we are a team. From there it’s “what do we want to do?” We have to become part of the vision. That’s what we’re hired for.”
Collaboration: A Worthy Concept Or A Pipe Dream?
Adopting a collaborative, stakeholder mentality in audio production is not only possible but also highly beneficial. It allows audio professionals to work more closely with clients, leading to richer, more creative outcomes and potentially more satisfying work experiences. However, the extent of collaboration is significantly influenced by the client’s attitude and the nature of the project. When clients appreciate and value the unique contributions of audio professionals, and when there is mutual trust and respect, the possibilities for creative collaboration are greatly enhanced.
Ultimately, each project is different, and the approach must be tailored to fit its specific needs and the personalities involved. For those in the audio profession, embracing a collaborative mindset could mean the difference between simply doing a job and being part of something truly transformative.
Respected Post-Production Solutions Specialist at Avid Technology, Sreejesh Nair, CAS, shared these thoughts;
“The thing I've always felt is that you are definitely providing a service to the client in terms of furthering their vision or providing the best possible output. How you provide that definitely uses a lot of collaboration since it isn't just about one person. Even though the job may be technical, there is a lot of artistic input in there and that by most means is best established by collaboration. So, while we may position ourselves as a service provider, we definitely function better as a collaborator.”
Grammy winning Engineer and producer Steve Genewick gave this insight;
“I would think it depends on what you’re being asked to do. If you’re a studio owner and a client is renting space, service provider. If a client is asking you to replace parts that have been programmed with real instruments with very little, if any creative input, service provider. If you are being asked to come up with new parts or arrangements, collaborator. Mixing can get us into a grey area, but I still consider it a service I’m providing. I’m using my creative skills, and there is obviously some back and forth with a client, but I don’t see that as collaborating on a project. Recording can be a different thing depending on when I’m brought into a project and how much I’m being asked to do. Shaping the sound of an entire album from inception, collaborating. Recording a day of strings and horns, service provider.”
Collaborator or service provider? Both have their merits and come into play depending on the project. However, for some, a collaboration mindset seems to give them greater satisfaction.
What about you, how do you like to approach the work?