Meet Gage Tapia | Sound Mixer, Boom Operator, Utility, Camera Operator, 2nd Camera Assistant, photographer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gage Tapia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gage, how do you think about risk?
When I think about risk, I don’t see it as a chance for failure. (Maybe its because of my glass half full mindset) I treat it as a learning experience. Its a fundamental part of life. There is risk in finding love(rejection) or public speaking(embarrassment), lastly spending time outdoors(danger). although, We always have a choice to grow from it.

We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one. – Confucius

For my career risk is buying equipment for sound mixing. It is quite expensive. I’ve at least spent twenty thousand dollars on a chance of making money from it. That money could have gone to furthering college, property, or another business venture.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Location sound mixer which means I record sounds on set or location. It is a job in the filmmaking industry. I deliver a mixture of sounds for the productions needs at the end of the day, This includes dialogue and any sounds on set that add to the story. I have to make sure it is clean audio and free from unwanted sounds in recordings for each take. That means I need to know the kind of microphones needed for a project. There can be the variety of boom microphones to omnidirectional lavalier mics for actors on set. Certain mics help block out sounds and are directional and should be pointed away from distracting sounds. Usually directional mics are mounted on the tip of a boom pole. A boom pole is a telescopic metal or graphite stick shaped instrument used to mount microphones. Boom poles are used to get microphones as close to the wanted sound as possible without being in frame. There is a major technique and learning curve for handling a boom pole. It always reminds me of a samurai in the discipline and gentleness when handling a boom pole. Part of the job is also navigating radio uhf frequencies for actor lavalier wireless microphones. These frequencies change from set to set based on location. One frequency in down town possibly would not work near Pasadena or vice versa. Even putting mics on actors is a multidimensional art because it has to sound good while being hidden. Not an easy task especially when talent has multiple layers of clothes. There is so much more to the job but I think that is a good ending spot.

I am also a director of photography and assistant camera. I believe its essential to know about the camera department when working in the sound department. The two departments work in tandem like a dance. You need to know the framing that is on screen. Depending, on what lens is on camera a quick look could give you that information. The framing helps in knowing how much room a boom pole has to get the best sound. Lighting is also a major advantage in having some knowledge about. Harsh lighting can make shadows when swinging a boom pole around set. Its much harder to follow talents actions in the scene if your shadows block the actors lighting. Communication is key on set and you have to ask if there is a way for the lighting to become softer so you can move around the set. Better to bring it to attention as soon as possible. Although, it does not mean that your want will be granted.

Mostly I work in narrative. Although I have worked with many different types of projects. Some types of gigs I have worked on are: networks connected to streaming services, independent features, documentaries, live performances, podcasts, commercials and many award winning shorts. I’ve worked with all kinds of people and enjoyed where its taken me. I am based in Santa Clarita and LA so my jobs usually are around California but it has been varied locations. Such as beaches, deserts, forests, and down town LA penthouses. Im always interested to travel for work.

I think what separates me from the pack is that Im self taught although, I did get my associated degree in filmmaking. I have spent years studying on my own time and from other sound mixers. After a long term romantic relationship ended I had a reevaluation of where I wanted to be in my life. It made me value the time we all have on earth and to not waste it. Confucius says, “We have two lives; the second begins when we realize we only have one.” I decided that it was time to make the venture into the unknown and its exciting.

My family doesn’t have a foothold in the filmmaking industry. Im from a mixed background. My mother is Irish, German, and Scottish. While my father’s roots go back to Ecuador. Of course Im easy to get along with and also respect myself and the people I am around. I study the scripts of the project to really get the essence of what we need to have successful sound for any project.

Its been difficult get where I am. There have been challenges and hard labor for the past several years. I worked full time to save enough to buy audio gear. Sacrifice is a huge part of investing in yourself. You have to forgo certain frivolous expenses. Staying away from the new fads so you can use money where it counts. There have been a lot of retail jobs and Postmate deliveries from then to now. Although, there were more challenges than just a freelance job. Networking is a pivotal part of this industry. I had to go to as many networking events as I could and continue to mingle. There were a lot of days where I did not make any money because I was investing my time in meeting people. Doing jobs for free in the outset of your career can also feel like the wrong decision, it really is a mixed bag. It lets you learn but you don’t want to be taken advantage of. Buying equipment is a business expense. The reason to invest in equipment is to make money with it. A new business that is not established has to be wary for being taken advantage of. You don’t want to be cheapest audio professional in town but you need experience. Specifically in the beginning of my career it paved the way to the first people I met in filmmaking. They became people I love working with that value their time as well as mine. Respect is a two way street and you give as much as you get. You set your own boundaries running your own business. This has led me to developing a professional business mindset. Not all clients you work with have that ethic but being freelance, you have the option to decline gigs. Although, my word is also my reputation. A lot of my work has gained traction by word of mouth, which means I have been recommended.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There definitely is a lot to see around the city. Of course the first place I would take them is the Santa Monica pier. I grew up going there all the time. So I am a huge beach goer. There is just so much to do. We can ride the small scale but thrilling roller coaster and the Ferris wheel that is anchored at the tip of the pier. Too many things could be done there including: volleyball, pizza, bike ridding, and taking in the culture that is just a walk away from the pier.

Next, Ocean Front Walk (or Venice beach) is but a step away to live music, performances, and spectacles that line the strip as you walk. Santa Monica at least could take up two days

By Wednesday, we would have to partake in a beach day. Fun in the sun where you can relax or jump in the water and fight the waves.

Thursday is museum day. I love seeing relics of the past and the many cultures that have existed and change as time ticks by. The Autry museum is a blast from the past showing how cultures lived in the American West.

Right across from the Autry Museum is the Los Angeles zoo. This would end our Friday.

Being a filmmaker Im a huge movie guy. So I love going to the TCL Chinese Theater. There is an assortment of movies being premiered there all the time. There is also the stars immortalized signature hand prints. This would end Saturday.

Finally, its Sunday and we are heading to the ice House. Live comedy is the temperature check of California life. It is one of our staples of free speech in America. Its hysterical and a must see especially at the ice house. The lineup of comedians is fast paced, diverse and a riot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many good people I have met along the way I would love to mention. One that definitely impacted my career is Joey Krulock he took a chance on me to be the sound mixer of an independent feature called MOMMA’S BOY, written and directed by Jessica Anderson. Joey was the Director Of Photography for the several week long project. It was the first feature I worked on in my career. The film turned out great and I am grateful for all the fellow filmmakers I met through this opportunity. Joey has a lot of talents that all coalesces into a multitool of a filmmaker. He acts, directs, and much more. We work together quite often on YouTube works as well as independent projects. I would suggest looking up Joey Krulock on YouTube to laugh at hysterical shorts and artistic videos.

Other filmmakers I would want to mention is Alex Snyder, Mike Overton, and Travis Quentin Young. This group of filmmakers are always a joy to have on set. Alex recommended me for Jessica’s project . I met Mike and Travis on the set.

I have to mention Lori Wilcox Saldana from Wilcox Sound and Communications. She runs her family owned business a pristinely professional shop. Her equipment knowledge and good will has guided me in every purchase and business move I have made so far. She is well grounded and I always enjoy her attitude and willingness to take the time out of her busy day to help me.

Lastly but definitely not least, I have to mention Ingaborg C. Humphrey. She is a professional director and writer. She is in the writers guild of America. Im forever grateful because she helped mold the very beginnings of my filmmaking career. We have worked on shorts, podcasts, product photography, and film studio construction. I value her input greatly. Her company is Icedreamedfilms and is connected to a non profit called Acex Foundation. This is a way for underprivileged communities to get an entry way into the filmmaking world of innovative opportunities. They are in the middle of running writers rooms for student filmmakers and will soon be expanding to workshops.

Instagram: gagelicious , 12gage_photography

Other: email- gageisfly@gmail.com

Image Credits
Made Wild Creative, Made Wild Creative, Marques Brown, Michelle Vogel, Kai Vargas, Alex Angus, Emma Evans,