In this instalment of How Freelancers Can Succeed, production sound mixer Ande Schurr outlines three ways to rise in your field without incurring ‘tall-poppy syndrome’.

Schurr talks about strategically purchasing new equipment, the real value of short films to increase confidence and skill, and, how to impress your client by putting in an extra few minutes at the end of the job.

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Greetings! I hope you are well out there in the freelance world. It’s a no-brainer; the higher our quality of service the more we stand out from others. Not only does it feel great to know you are giving your best but you can also relax in the knowledge that you will get plenty of work.

We’ve all heard of tall-poppy syndrome: ‘cut off’ the person who is too confident too early on in their career. In such a small village, as is New Zealand, we need to find other ways to show we are worth being hired.

1. Spend strategically on equipment

Your gear speaks for itself. If you have the best then people assume without question that you are serious.

This is how the beginner can distance themselves from other ‘newbie’s’ in a very short space of time.  It’s a nail-biter wondering how to spend your hard earned cash on equipment – especially if you’re starting out. Assuming you’re not a rich kid, each purchasing decision for the typical freelancer is accompanied by rigorous contemplation and comparative analyses between brands, prices and functional differences.

I have three words for you: BUY THE BEST. Read the reviews of the best equipment in your field, search the online shops to see how they price it, and then make your decision whether to buy locally or overseas. Buying second hand can be a sensible choice too.

2. Start working on funded short films

No, they don’t pay much, but Film Commission funded short films usually have a rising star director and an already established Director of Photography and Producer who will be feeling grateful to you for giving your service to their cause.

I recorded sound on Katie Wolfe’s short film ‘Redemption’ shot by Ginny Loane and produced by Rachel Jean, head of drama and comedy at TV3. The budget was poor but the experience was rich. I got to test for the first time my new hard drive recording system – the HHB Portadrive which records 8 separate tracks of audio. I would never have had the courage to use this on a commercial where there is low tolerance for failure! On funded short films, although having high production values, there is less pressure and so I was able to make my mistakes in the first few hours of shooting with an understanding crew who knew I was testing new gear. Short films are great also for still photographers who want to get into film work.

3. Go the extra mile

I spend extra time writing in notes in the metadata for each sound take. This small touch is appreciated by editors who already have enough to do without having to manually find out what each track is about. What can you do to ‘round’ off your service? Find the one thing that is the connecting link between you and the client –the day’s rushes, labelling tape stock or perhaps the quality of paper that you print your invoice on (I’m joking!!) – and deliver it on a ‘gold plate’.