Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Wen.
Hi Shelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m an LA-based production sound mixer for film/tv. I started my filmmaking journey since I was 16, doing my undergraduate degree in the UK, I then pursued my master’s degree in directing/filmmaking here in LA. Throughout my school time, I got to try all the different roles in filmmaking, including writing, directing, DP, sound mixing and editing. But towards the end of my master’s degree, I decided that sound mixing has my best interest and passion, that’s how and when my career took off.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I tried to get on as many as projects while I was still in school, shadowing bigger mixers, learn as much as I can. Soon after graduation, I got on commercials with Gatorade, Comcast as sound mixer/boom op; as well as a few feature films, short films that had been selected in film festivals. And now, within nine months of my graduation, I’m now on my first union feature with named actors.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Production sound mixing is definitely a profession that requires both technical knowledge and creative skills. From soldering my cables to capture the most crystal clear sound amongst people on set, every part counts. I love the gear upgrading and organizing part the most, it’s like leveling up in games.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I reached out to Chris Howland months before I started doing sound professionally, he’s one of the board of directors in local 695 (The sound union). And he’s one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve known. He has helped with all of my questions from the technical side to communication skills with productions. It would be an honour for me to call him my mentor, and I will forever thank him.
Also, as a filmmaker, I’d say, don’t be scared to reach out to people when you’re just starting out, some of the will say no, some of them will not respond, but you might also end up finding the one who can guide you through your own path.
Contact Info:
- Website: shellywensound.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xcshellyw/
