Making the Media S5E05: Post Problems

S5E05:

More needs to be done to help people struggling to find work in the post-production market in the UK by offering new training or opportunities in other roles.

That’s the view of sound mixer, editor, and industry mentor Emma Butt, who says that the sector is under enormous pressure now due to a downturn in commissions and program production.

She says more opportunities need to be given to people already working in the industry in order for them to remain in the business.

Listen to Hear:

• The current challenges facing the post-production industry
• The need for more training and skills opportunities for people in mid-career
• An innovative new scheme to promote talent

Our Guest This Episode

Emma Butt

Emma is a freelance dubbing mixer, dialogue and SFX editor with over 16 years of experience in post-production sound in both the UK and Irish industry. She works across multiple genres from documentaries (both TV and feature), HETV, entertainment shows, and animations.

In her spare time, she is a mentor, helping to support the next generation of filmmakers and creative talent. She is an advocate for diversity in film and TV and completed a report on "Diversity in Post-production Sound'' through the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity which highlighted the lack of diversity in post-production sound and offered solutions as to how this can be changed and improved. She has worked as a consultant and helped design Channel 4’s, 4PP (4 Post Production) program, which is a development program designed to accelerate the careers of mid-senior talent from underrepresented backgrounds working in post-production roles. She has also worked as a consultant with Audible UK on their “Off Mic” workshops which aim to improve diversity and inclusion.

“How do you progress into a more senior position? You need support, you need structure, you need training. And that doesn't exist—not for post production.”

Emma Butt, Sound mixer and editor