Initially interested in working in a music studio, once this sound pro got a taste of audio post, there was no turning back.
NAME: Torin Geller
COMPANY: NYC’s One Thousand Birds (OTB)
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY?
OTB is a bi-coastal audio post house specializing in sound design and mixing for commercials, TV and film. We also create interactive audio experiences and installations.
One Thousand Birds
WHAT’S YOUR JOB TITLE?
Sound and Interactive Designer
WHAT DOES THAT ENTAIL?
I work on every part of our sound projects: dialogue edit, sound design and mix, as well as help direct and build our interactive installation work.
WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE THE MOST ABOUT WHAT FALLS UNDER THAT TITLE?
Operating a scissor lift!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
Working with my friends. The atmosphere at OTB is like no other place I’ve worked; many of the people working here are old friends. I think it helps us a lot in terms of being creative since we’re not afraid to take risks and everyone here has each other’s backs.
WHAT’S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Unexpected overtime.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE TIME OF THE DAY?
In the morning, right after my first cup of coffee.
IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE THIS JOB, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?
Making ambient music in the woods.
JBL spot with Aaron Judge
HOW EARLY ON DID YOU KNOW THIS WOULD BE YOUR PATH?
I went to school for music technology hoping to work in a music studio, but fell into working in audio post after getting an internship at OTB during school. I still haven’t left!
CAN YOU NAME SOME RECENT PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
Recently, we worked on a great mini doc for Royal Caribbean that featured chef Paxx Caraballo Moll, whose story is really inspiring. We also recently did sound design and Foley for an M&Ms spot, and that was a lot of fun.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
We designed and built a two-story tall interactive chandelier at a hospital in Kansas City — didn’t see that one coming. It consists of a 20-foot-long spiral of glowing orbs that reacts to the movements of people walking by and also incorporates reactive sound. Plus, I got to work on the design of the actual structure with my sister who’s an artist and landscape architect, which was really cool.
NAME THREE PIECES OF TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.
– headphones
– music streaming
– synthesizers
Hospital installation
WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS DO YOU FOLLOW?
I love following animators on Instagram. I find that kind of work especially inspiring. Movement and sound are so integral to each other, and I love seeing how that can interplay in abstract plus interesting ways of animation that aren’t necessarily possible in film.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO DE-STRESS FROM IT ALL?
I’ve recently started rock climbing and it’s an amazing way to de-stress. I’ve never been one to exercise, but rock climbing feels very different. It’s intensely challenging but totally non-competitive and has a surprisingly relaxed pace to it. Each climb is a puzzle with a very clear end, which makes it super satisfying. And nothing helps you sleep better than being physically exhausted.
