Pro Tools and ScreenSkills

Avid Certified Pro Tools Post Professional: Brian Lane

ScreenSkills is a wonderful organisation which invests in the future of the film, TV and game industries in the UK. They run programmes to encourage people into these sectors, providing help with mentorship, training, funding and much more.

Being awarded two ScreenSkills bursaries has fundamentally shaped my path in sound design for visual media. I applied for the first at the start of 2020, and was lucky to receive a second in early 2023.

I used them to fund a total of four courses in Pro Tools, the industry's gold standard in sound editing and mixing. While I already had a solid understanding of the software, taking the courses was a great opportunity to deepen my expertise. Spirit Studios in Manchester became my space to fine-tune my craft.

Each course and accompanying exam was a key moment in my ongoing journey. The final exam was a new level of depth, needing multiple attempts to master. Each challenge wasn’t a setback but a chance for in-depth exploration, allowing me to really get into the nitty-gritty of the software.

The impact of the courses went beyond theory; it was hands-on learning I could immediately apply in my daily work. Now, armed with the title of an Avid Certified Professional, I’ve gained advanced tools and techniques directly applicable to my projects in the field.

It has also unlocked a new avenue - I can now use the prestigious S6 in Spirit Studios for surround mixing. This access to cutting-edge resources opens doors for lifting my work to new heights, enabling me to immerse myself fully in the world of surround sound. This will have a major impact on my work in film, TV, theatre and commercials.

Reflecting on this journey, it's evident that this bursary wasn't just a professional development opportunity but a catalyst for substantial growth. It was an investment that not only deepened my expertise but also expanded the horizons of my career.