With over two decades of drumming experience, practical sound engineering experience and an ACM Creative Sound Design Degree (2009-2011) to boot, Alumni Dickie Earll has many of the music career avenues covered. ACM caught up with Dickie to find out what he’s been up to since graduating from ACM.
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
My main motivation was mainly a desire to learn how to use modern day recording set ups. I came from an analogue background of 4&8 Tracks recorders and only used a computer for emails!
It was while I was doing the ACM Production Diploma that I got the bug for sound Design/Post-Production and decided to pursue this further and enrol on the Creative Sound Design (CSD) Degree.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
For me, the best part of ACM was always the opportunity to use all of the various ACM Facilities and the state-of-the-art recording and production equipment.
I also found that the one-on-one tutorials were invaluable to my progression on my Degree course.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to since leaving ACM?
Since graduating ACM, I have been pursuing a career as a Sound Recordist for Film and TV. In the beginning most of my jobs were no/low budget student or gorilla films. More recently I have just finished a large project called ‘On Hungry Hill’ for Pursued By A Bear Productions. I was the Sound Recordist and responsible for all the post-production.
In March of last year, I got the job of Sound Trainee for the first unit on the set of ‘RUSH’ Ron Howards new film. I was working under BAFTA Winning Sound Mixer Danny Hambrook and his Boom Adam Laschinger on the UK locations. Made some great contacts and invaluable experience.
Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
Talk to the guys at the Business and Artist Development Team (BDC) about what you want to do see if they can get you some real experience or help in your chosen path.
Also try and network and get involved in various projects as much as possible.
ACM would like to thanks Dickie Earll for taking the time to update up on his career progression since leaving in 2011 and we wish him well for his forthcoming projects and commitments.
