One, two, one,two - mic check

At just 27, Willis Abuto has made a name for himself on the global stage as a Production Sound Mixer.

In America, he has worked on projects for VICE Media, VICE Sports, United Parcel Services and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, while in the UK, he has worked with BBC One and Comic Relief. Here, he has worked with Media Hub, and Ndani TV in Nigeria, to mention just a fraction of what is on his portfolio.

In a nutshell, Willis is a sound recordist/mixer for TV series, documentaries, videos and advertisements.

“Basically, my duty in the projects that I am involved in is to make sound audible, clean and crisp,” he explains.

His journey started at the East Africa School of Media Studies in Nairobi where he obtained a diploma in TV and Radio production. It was here that he realised his interest and passion in sound production.

During his final year of study, (he was 21) he was introduced by a friend to the crew that worked on Briefcase Inc, which aired on KTN. It was on this set that he first put his sound recording skills into practice.

“I was paid Sh500 per episode, nothing to write home about, but what I really cared about at the time was the practical experience and the learning I was getting on set,” Willis says.

It was while on the set of Briefcase Inc that he met his mentor, Richard Ngugi, a production sound mixer, who has since held his hand and walked with Willis on his journey as a sound recordist/mixer. Willis credits his career breakthrough to his mentor who, by virtue of having been in the field longer, acted as a guide when Willis was navigating his early career days and getting to understand what really his area of interest entailed – the duo have since become work partners.

PRIVATE BUSINESS

 “Since I was trained in TV and Radio production, I would have easily decided to be a Jack of all trades, but this was not what I wanted. I was interested in the sound aspects of production. Having a mentor helped me put this into perspective,” he explains.

His mentor linked him up with his first major job.

“When I got the project, I knew that I would need to prove myself because that was the only way that I would put my career on the right path and get further references,” Willis says, adding that this is important especially if you foresee yourself as self-employed and dealing with clients, not employers. Your name must precede you.

His first client was happy with his work and called him back for a second job. Afterwards, he recommended him for a project with BBC One.

Willis realised quite early that he was not cut out for a 8am to 5pm job. He tried out a regular job but after just three months, he quit and set himself up as a freelance sound mixer.

“I had saved up some money from my previous jobs and used this to buy more professional gear and engaged my mentor even more,” he says.

He advices young people getting into private business to begin marketing themselves as brands, for instance, those on social media should be able to see your professional side - have a website that details what you do and interact with professionals in your line of work.

He points out that he has gotten some of his clients via Facebook, although many of them find him on LinkedIn. His portfolios are easily accessible from his social media pages and other online spaces such as blogs. He is also registered on various international professional sites.

Still on social media – Willis advices the use of official and uniform names across all platforms so that those looking for you do not get confused.

“You need to then be very prompt with your responses and develop good communication skills. People will trust you if your communication is proper and timely,” he advices.

“As a freelancer, time management is key - I have learnt this from the high profile clients that I have dealt with. Learning how to build relations is also important if you are to progress fast as a freelancer,” he says.

Willis adds that specialisation has given him an edge, and the deeper he gets into his area of expertise, the more he learns and the better the opportunities become. Having worked in film and television in the country in various capacities, Willis is quick to point out that creatives need to begin specialising so that the creative industry in the country can grow, hence churn out quality productions.

“Specialisation is important if we are to put Kenya on the map when it comes to producing quality content. Majoring is important; after you get exposed to the field that you want to be in through education, identify what you love doing, do a lot of research on it and begin to pursue that,” he says.

SUSTAINABLE CAREER

“There are many opportunities to learn online, as well as many short courses that will enable you gather more knowledge on your specific areas,” he says.

It has not been all smooth sailing for Willis though, as he has had to navigate some hurdles on the path to where he is today: a skilled and experienced sound recordist.

Before he fully mastered the importance of having a contract with the clients that he worked for, some would dishonour their verbal agreements and fail to pay him after he delivered.

Like most well-meaning parents, Willis’ father was aghast when he learnt that he earned only Sh500 a week in his first job, and questioned how suitable his career was. Later seeing his commitment, hard work and the returns that started coming in, he became a lot more supportive. His father and the rest of his family are now his number one fans.

“Parents mean well. If they do not support you at the beginning, understand that they have your best interests at heart. Just work hard and prove to them that what you are doing is the best thing for you instead of becoming resentful,” he advices.

Willis is looking at investing in farming in the near future because his job is giving him a decent income which has enabled him to live a comfortable, independent life.

“If I get a day-long job, or one that engages me for 10 hours straight, I can make as much as Sh50,000 – this amount of course varies with projects,” he says.

Willis works with two assistants who are on standby incase he requires an extra hand.

“Whether I will use just one or both the assistants depends on the scope of the project,” he explains.