darrell briggs

Since Leaving my only staff role at Constructive Video in 1999, I have worked exclusively and continuously as a freelancer in the Film & TV Industry. During that time, I worked on almost every type of production. Initially my work was focused on documentaries, as such I worked as the sole sound person in small production teams, the work taking me around the world multiple times, often working in very challenging conditions, either politically, environmentally or both. I guess I developed somewhat of a name working in 'extreme' environments. This period of my career really taught me how to work quickly, quietly but effectively and without compromising on sound quality.

These days my work has been centred on the scripted world of Film and TV drama, working as head of department of a 3-6 person sound team which itself is part of a much bigger crew. As a Head of Department my responsibilities have expanded, for every production I am responsible not only for the entirety of the production sound and supplying the correct, well maintained equipment needed, but also for my team. I must produce a departmental risk assessment for every job whilst ensuring that my team adheres to it. In addition I will often have a trainee in the department and between the team we mentor them and guide them towards the role of a 2nd assistant sound. I have also mentored new entrants to the industry, both through the AMPS programme and also at the request of university lecturers that I know.

Being able to communicate effectively, with my team, other departments and also clients/Producers is a key part of my role, as is being highly organised and prepared, a calm approach is key to logical problem-solving under pressure.

These days Sound equipment is changing rapidly. DANTE has become an essential and valuable tool. I have completed levels 1,2 &3 of the Audinate DANTE course which obviously involves basic networking.

As part of my work I will often have to us simple PA systems. Outside of work I have also used and installed PA systems as both temporary and permanent installations.