Clearcut Sound Studios’ Team of Audio Producers is Integral To Its Success

Producers are integral to ensuring that the cogs of advertising are well oiled and turning and audio producers are now more than ever an important part of the process. Since 2020 Clearcut Sound Studios has bolstered its audio production offering to follow their clients’ journeys every step of the way, providing advice and oversight of the audio post process from start to finish, adding value before the sound session as well as during and afterwards too, offering a dedicated producer per project to keep things running smoothly. 

Below, LBB speaks to Lindsay, Sarah, and Tilly about the career journeys, the evolving role of the audio producer, and the boutique experience and expertise that Clearcut Sound Studios offers every client. 

LBB> What drew you to a career in audio production and how did your career Clearcut Sound start?

Lindsay> I first came here as a voiceover in 2010. I’d worked with a few agencies across major brands. So my interest in the audio production process came from that experience really.

I loved the atmosphere here and looking to move production side, enquired as to whether there were any opportunities open. Fast forward almost 13 years and we're now employee owned and I'm one of the company directors. It's been an incredible journey.

Tilly> I grew up with parents in the industry and spent time at post facilities in school holidays. I even did a voice over job but not in a professional capacity like Lindsay! I was drawn to the overall creative atmosphere and I’ve been learning on the job ever since. I really enjoy getting to explore the clients' creative journey with them. The organisational side of the role is important  because if that’s done well, it creates a space for new and exciting ideas to be explored. 

Sarah> I specialised in sound at university. Once I graduated I dived straight into freelance running on set for commercials, indie shorts and feature films. I was working freelance at a neighbouring sound studio when I saw a role open up here. I have been at Clearcut Sound for three years now.

LBB> How has Clearcut Sound’s production offering evolved?

Lindsay> We’ve always had bookings coordinator roles. We've gradually developed that to offer full client and creative support throughout the whole process. The pandemic in particular really helped to break down walls and increase our involvement at every step, because all of a sudden we were thrown into a world of remote working. The success of our remote sessions was largely down to our producers, ensuring we maintained the highest level of detail and communication that people were used to when sat in the studio. It changed the way we ran sessions and that has continued. Practically speaking the biggest difference has been that we now sit with the engineer and client as much as we can so that our knowledge for each job is complete. We put a lot of weight on that.

Tilly> Each job has a dedicated audio producer and they will be involved in the initial briefing all the way through to file delivery. We also each have a dedicated set of clients. The personal relationship is key to make sure the jobs run smoothly and the end result of the work is high quality.

Sarah> Our main aim is to smooth the creative process between agency producer and engineer. This is especially helpful with the more complex, intricate sound design briefs. We can bridge the gap between client and engineer to allow the engineer to focus on the creative.

LBB> What kind of feedback have you been getting from clients?

Lindsay> It has been extremely well received by agency producers. They value our knowledge and experience. It helps to have someone who is fully involved in the job available at all times. The agency role seems to have changed with the rise of the integrated producer who can be spread across different projects, TV one day, to print the next. They might not have a huge amount of experience in sound. That's where we can provide support. It’s even more important when working directly with brands.

LBB> Tell us about a time you solved what seemed like an impossible production challenge - what was it and how did you do it?

Lindsay> Nothing's impossible in audio! But we do regularly find ourselves weathering the perfect storm of multi-spot, multi-language and multi-media campaigns, all sharing the same delivery deadline. All whilst being in the process of casting the next flurry of jobs. Keeps us on our toes!

LBB> What are some of your favourite pieces of work that you’ve produced while at Clearcut?

Lindsay> The M&S Food Christmas campaigns - they’re so fun and you get to be part of an amazing team - the crew at M&S, Dom and Nic and of course recording with Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Tom Holland is amazing.

Sarah> The one project that really sticks out to me is working with Pixel Artworks on The Stranger Things Season 4 teaser. They made three projections in three countries in Europe which was great fun as we were working with assets directly from the show, and creatives from Netflix. It's just really nice to get your teeth stuck into a project like that. 

LBB> Sarah and Tilly, how is Clearcut Sound Studios helping you to develop, learn, and map out a career?

Sarah> I’ve just finished the APA Masterclass. It's given me a deeper understanding of the overall production process and I’m pleased the team encouraged me to take on the course. Because it’s an employee owned company, working here is a real team effort. 

Tilly> What I value the most is the company's experience. Chris just celebrated his 17th year anniversary so he has lots of advice to give! There is also a wide range of knowledge within the company about all things advertising.

LBB> And Lindsay, why is it important for Clearcut Sound to invest in the next generation of up and comers, and also to make people progress from within?

Lindsay> Bringing fresh people into the company and investing in them is integral to the future success of our company. As a team, we genuinely love what we do and nurturing talent with a passion for audio is what it's all about. When we recruit we’re not only recruiting a staff member, but also a co-owner, so it’s crucial we get it right.