The Essential List: Gary Turnbull
In his teens, Gary spent all of his available cash on synths and samplers. Never having any intention of being a musician or joining a band, the appeal was purely to play with sounds. This naturally lead to an interest in the recording studio, but access was somewhat limited. A couple of years into his mechanical engineering degree he switched to sound engineering at SSR in Manchester. Two years later, he found himself handing Thierry Henry a coffee at GCRS.
As chief engineer, as well as a talented sound designer, he mentors and trains junior engineers to ensure the incredibly high standards of the business and the work produced are maintained.
His own sound design work is impressive and wide ranging, having worked with all of the major advertising agencies across brands such as Adidas, BT, Jaguar, Ford, Warburtons, DHL, Heineken.
One of the campaigns of which he is proudest is his work for M&S, being integral to the creation of what was a completely new approach to food advertising, selecting the voice for the famous ‘food porn’ commercials.
In 2012 he won a D&AD Yellow Pencil for a promo for the BBC's Wonderful World.
Lifestyle
o Place of birth: Doncaster
o Hometown: London
o Staycation: Peak District
o Vacation: Philippines
o Pet: Dog, Lola.
o Place of work: GCRS
o Place of workout: Garden
o Side project: Place of workout
o Mode of transport: Motorcycle.
o Bonus travel essential: Gilet
Culture
o Artist: Giorgio Moroder
o Musician: Martin Gore
o Commercials / music video director: Jonas Åkerlund
o Film director: Too many to choose a favourite.
o Photographer: I appreciate photography, but there’s no one specific
o Film: Anything SciFi. Star Wars / Interstellar
o Series: Better Call Saul
o Commercial: Nike Write the Future
o Music video: Smack my bitch up.
o Video game: Uncharted
o Board game: Too many arguments.
o Podcast: Chequered Flag.
o Newspaper (off or online): N/A
o Magazine: Erm…
o Bonus culture essential: Travel as much as possible.
Food and Drink
o Breakfast: No thanks, I’m late for work
o Restaurant: Too expensive
o Cheap bite: Kati Roll
o Working lunch: Chicken Caesar Salad
o Favourite dish: Thai Green Chicken Curry
o Signature dish: Lasagne
o Snack: Nuts
o Guilty pleasure: White Bread
o Bar: Star & Garter
o Booze: Gin & Tonic
o Not booze: Coffee
o Bonus food: KFC
o Bonus beverage: Lime & Soda
Kit
o Phone: iPhone 6s
o Computer: MacBook Pro
o TV: Sony A90J
o Headphones: AirPod Pros
o Camera: Keep promising myself one
o Soundsystem: Audiolab / B&W
o Pen / pencil: Pencil of any colour please
o Where you document an idea: Garage Band
o Casual clothing: Chinos & Hoodie
o Smart clothing: Chinos & Shirt
o Footwear: Trainers
o Watch: Never wear one
o Collection: Trainers
o App: YouTube
o Website: YouTube
o Favourite social media feed: Instagram
o Work program: Protools /Reaper
o Digital work tool: Neve DFC
o Analogue work tool: Sequential ProOne
o Morning grooming / makeup essential: SSS
o Bonus kit essential: MKH 416
