Hello everyone...

NelsonMD · 03-05-2011, 10:10 AM

Hey there my name is Nelson; not sure if this is the right spot to place this, but here it goes.
I live in St Petersburg Florida with my wife and two kids. She is a stay at home mom with the baby while I attend school three days and work four. I am pursuing my degree in Audio Production at Saint Petersburg College in their MIRA (Music Industry Recording Arts) Program. Part of my line of study is going for my Operator Certification in Pro Tools. This semester I am taking one of the newer courses they are offering which is Pro Tools for Game Audio, so far we have learned how to build a sound library for elements to be used in the gaming environment and how to use foley. While I understand this certification from AVID can lead to various roads of opportunity for me I would like to begin with scratching the surface as to how one can go about searching for some freelance work with either an independent gaming company or even a well known one. How can I go about pursuing this field while staying where I am at now? We are pretty rooted and I am willing to work remotely during the late hours if needed to work on sounds, noises, foley and ambience.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and a huge thank you for any information steering me in the right direction.
Have a great weekend!!!
-N

yaustar · 03-06-2011, 09:17 AM

Your first step is to produce a portfolio showing your skills.

After that, considering your circumstances (having to work remotely and having no previous professional experience), approach new teams and companies that have been cropping up more recently. You are more likely to get work off them then an established company.

Also, they are more likely to let you work more remotely.

As something to build up your portfolio with, consider helping out with out with online teams of people who are trying to make a game. Eg. http://www.gamedev.net/forum/8-help-wanted/

NelsonMD · 03-06-2011, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the tips and suggestions, I actually have that site in my bookmarks, was not aware there was a help wanted section. I shall continue to build my sound library and I guess I can post up some ambience tracks at soundcloud where I can have anyone interested check out my work there. Thanks again, have a great week!!!

tsloper · 03-07-2011, 03:36 PM

You have to network, not only online but also in person. Were you at GDC last week? If not, you missed THE networking event of the year.
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson63.htm
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson54.htm
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson6.htm
http://sloperama.com/advice/lesson46.htm

NelsonMD · 03-07-2011, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the replies so far. This week I will be playing Mr. Mom, my wife had to have a gingival graft done on Monday, so I will be helping around with the kids while she rests and I find some time to squeeze in some sound library editing. I also have some homework I need to catch up in my PT 130 class. Have a great week everyone!