The organisation offers help and guidance to the next generation of black sound technicians
A group of production and post-production staff working in audio-related roles in film and television have founded the Black Sound Society (BSS).
The not-for-profit organisation aims to increase the visibility of black technicians in the sound department, through mentoring and providing help and guidance.
BSS plans to run regular networking events and industry-specific workshops as part of its programme.
The organisation’s aims are to:
• Increase the visibility of black technicians in sound and to be role models and mentors to new entrants
• Create more opportunities via:
- More extensive apprenticeships for black trainees
- Further work experience or internships for more established technicians who want to advance their careers or make lateral career moves
• Encourage producers, line producers, heads of departments and post-production houses to hire more black personnel on a regular basis (and not just on ‘black’ productions)
• Address the issues of implicit and unconscious bias, since we are seen as a homogeneous group rather than individuals with their own unique skills and talents
• Establish measurable outcomes so that our objectives are sustainable and have a lasting effect for positive change
Chairman of BSS, production sound mixer Ron Bailey (pictured above), said: “The one thing we have in common is unfortunately our multiple stories of racism in the workplace. BSS provides a safe space for honest conversation, which includes our love of what we do. We want to work with our industry to recruit and retain black technicians who believe that working within the Sound Department is indeed a viable career.”
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