Education Department

Rich Topham Jr. is a leader in bringing "sound education" to many throughout the years. With experience in just about all aspects of sound and recording in productions and post-productions, Rich Topham Jr. has worked with many major films, televisions series, sitcoms, commercials and industrial videos. Rich Topham Jr. himself has been awarded six Emmy Awards for technical support in sound. Rich is a member of Cinema Audio Society (CAS), Society of Motion Pictures Technicians and Engineers (SMPTE), Audio Engineering Society (AES), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)and National Technical Investigators’ Association (NATIA).

Rich Topham Jr. says "Education is fundamentally the most important part of the audio business". Professional Sound Services workshops cover the tools, techniques, and procedures used in the professional sound business. Students gain an appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of sound recording, learn tricks for creating an audio design and explore how to manipulate room tone, dialogue, and effects tracks for a realistic sound presence. Pre-production planning, boom and wireless microphone operation, microphone planting, tape-deck signal setup, and other techniques are also addressed. In addition, students are introduced to the latest recording equipment, inter-format recording for music videos and commercial production, time code and other management tools for post production.

Each month Professional Sound Services holds at least two workshops, either on-site in the NYC store or on-location at various colleges, universities or private businesses. Rich added " It's great to be with fellow audio technicians and share with them my personal stories and anecdotes."

A Sample List of Colleges Rich Topham Jr. has taught at:

Hunter College

LIVA

Colombia

WEVA

USC

NJ Videographers Association

UCLA

Monclair

Loyola Marimount

Ohio University

California Institute of the Arts

Yale

Cal State

University of Missouri

AFI

Penn State

Student Filmmakers

Stevensons University

Drexal

Audio Engineering Society

Temple

Newark School District

Brooklyn College

New York City Final Cut User Group

NYU Tisch

School of Audio Engineering

Jersey City College

 Living Arts College

 

Testimonials:

"One of the best workshops I've ever been to. Answered so many questions. I’m starting a freelance sound business and this will help during set up."
-Shelley Smith
 

"The workshop has given me added confidence to go out on the field as a new filed mixer. Rich is absolutely excellent and knowledgeable."
-Ed Gutierrez, Sound Mixer / Director/ Producer

"Rich was fantastic, incredibly knowledgeable, very approachable and spoke from experience. He did not have an attitude considering his experience in the industry."
-Daniel Azarian, Producer/Director

"It was extremely helpful for me since I'm still starting to get a grasp of audio and sound mixing. Rich was great. Well prepared, organized and very inviting."
-Yanirys Sanchez

"Troubleshooting was excellent. It solved a lot of frequent problems I ran into..."
-Anastosia Hanney, Freelance sound

"The workshop was great to all levels. I took away many helpful tips. It is totally worth the price."
-Dave Hall, Video Production

 

If you are interested in having Rich Topham Jr. at your college, university or private business, please contact Rich at 212.586.1033 or rich@pro-sound.com.

 

PAST Workshops

 

SOUND EDUCATION AT LIVING ARTS COLLEGE
March 2012


Rich Topham, Jr. is a leader in bringing "sound education" to many throughout the years, including Living Arts College.

Mr. Topham owns Professional Sound Services and has been doing location audio for the past 35 years. He has worked with many major film studios and “A” rated talent. He shared a few stories with students and guests and quizzed them with some trivia.

Topham dug deep into the inner workings of how to capture dialogue on a film set.  He demonstrated all types of equipment from mixers to microphones.  He explained the different ways to mic up talent and how to find the best place to aim a boom.  Topham went through several approaches to getting the best level, avoiding distortion, and combating unwanted ambient noise that is also captured on the film set.

Topham continued talking about how to overcome clothes rustling while the actor is moving around. He also spoke on not getting in the way of the camera, lighting, and of course, the action.

The students were very attentive and asked a multitude of great questions. All disciplines benefited from this discussion. All found this to be extremely helpful and we thank Mr. Topham for his time.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
Living Arts College is dedicated to supporting the digital imaging industry by maintaining close association with professionals in the arenas of digital filmmaking, digital audio production, entertainment, corporate communications, advertising and publishing. Quality training is achieved through an environment that combines highly specialized studios and an instructional staff of industry related professionals.

Living Arts College was founded in 1992 by a team of creative professionals who believed that the studio arts is all about storytelling. The digital studio arts program series is about applying imagination in the real world. Providing a studio challenge in hands-on study takes priority over lengthy theory classroom sessions."

 

 

 

 

 

Production Sound Workshop with Richard H. Topham,
Winner of 6 Emmy Awards in Technical Support in Sound

Learn new real-world production techniques for film, video, and HDSLR. Don't miss this exciting and unique opportunity to learn Production Sound Mixing, the complex craft of recording crisp and clean dialogue and sound effects on the set during film, video, and HDSLR productions.
What You Will Learn:

  • Psychology of Production Sound Recording.

  • What the Sound Mixer really hears.

  • What the Camera Operator, Director and the rest of the world hears.

  • Cocktail Party Effects.

  • Digital Recorders.

  • Sound for DSLR.

  • Microphone Basics.

  • Selection and Application of Microphones.

  • Boom Operator Techniques.

  • Practical Usage of Lavaliers and Wireless Mics. Including How-To Rig Lavaliers.

  • Advanced Use of Plant Mics.

  • Portable Mixers, including both ENG Mixers and Mixing Boards.

  • Set Etiquette.

When: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Where: StudentFilmmakers.com Manhattan Workshop Studio,
1123 Broadway, Suite #307, New York, NY 10010
Schedule:
1:00pm Check-in and Networking
1:30pm to
4:30pm		 Continuing Education Workshop
* Production Sound Recording
* Real World Practices and Techniques
* Q&A session

Door Prizes:

All attendees are automatically entered in a free raffle drawing that will take place after the workshop.

The Deca Eargonizer (PS602) by Petrol Bags. Petrol Bags new Deca professional sound gear carrying case is optimally designed to transport your equipment and accessories comfortably and securely, and keep them safe, organized, and accessible on the job. Compatible with most mixers including: Shure FP-33A, Wendt X3, Wendt X4, SQN, Sound Devices SD-442, SD-302, Audio Development etc.

Personal Computer Backpack (PC305) by Petrol Bags. This new ultra light weight handsome black backpack is designed to offer the ultimate in user convenience and equipment protection. The front tongue flap opens envelope-style for quick access to the generous main compartment. A rear internal cushioned laptop sleeve has room to safeguard a personal computer with up to a 15” screen. Additional internal compartments provide room for storing pens, paperwork, notebooks, and other important accessories. Outside, dual zippered side pockets are just the place to stash personal items such as keys, a wallet, and even a mobile phone. The ergonomic backpack system and padded shoulder straps ensure optimal carrying comfort. Or use the integrated fabric strap on the back to attach it to a trolley system for effortless, roll-along toting. Other features include a padded front carrying handle, dual-directional easy-glide zippers.

 

 

Rich Topham's latest Workshop will be held in two sessions. The first session on September 14th, 2011 is Introduction to Production Sound for Film and HDSLR. The second workshop is for more advanced Sound Engineers to bring you to that "Next Level" on September 15th, 2011. REMEMBER BOTH NIGHTS ARE FREE! Both nights Rich will be speaking about real world production techniques for film and video production but at different levels of knowledge. If you have a question about which class to take, please call and speak with one of our technicians and they can point you in the right direction. Also on both nights Rich will be giving away FREE gifts to all participants and also will be holding raffles for Pro-Sound Gift Certificates.

 

Rich Topham's workshops were written up in the latest issue of Markee 2.0 Magazine. CLICK HERE to see an exert from the article.

 

This continuing education workshop is for filmmakers and video makers of all levels who are interested in learning real-world applications and techniques related to production sound recording for film and video. The program is designed for Directors, Producers, and Sound Department Crew and Instructors who want to improve their skills, keep updated on tools of trade and take their productions to the next level.

What You Will Learn:

  • Psychology of Production Sound Recording.
  • What the Sound Mixer really hears.
  • What the Camera Operator, Director and the rest of the world hears.
  • Cocktail Party Effects.
  • Digital Recorders.
  • Sound for DSLR.
  • Microphone Basics.
  • Selection and Application of Microphones.
  • Boom Operator Techniques.
  • Practical Usage of Lavaliers and Wireless Mics. Including How-To Rig Lavaliers.
  • Advanced Use of Plant Mics.
  • Portable Mixers, including both ENG Mixers and Mixing Boards.
  • Set Etiquette.
    •

Rich Topham says "Education is fundamentally the most important part of the audio business" Professional Sound Services workshops cover the tools, techniques, and procedures used in the professional sound business. Students gain an appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of sound recording, learn tricks for creating an audio design and explore how to manipulate room tone, dialogue, and effects tracks for a realistic sound presence. Pre-production planning, boom and wireless microphone operation, microphone planting, tape-deck signal setup, and other techniques are also addressed. In addition, students are introduced to the latest recording equipment, inter-format recording for music videos and commercial production, time code and other management tools for post production. Each month PSS holds at least two workshops, either on-site in the NYC store or on-location at various colleges, universities or private businesses. Rich added " It's great to be with fellow audio technicians and share with them my personal stories and anecdotes."

 
Rich Topham, Jr., of Professional Sound Services, came to Stevenson University today, September 10, 2011 and gave two workshops – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – on the principles of sound recording and sound equipment. Wish you could have been there! The students and guests who came had a terrific time!

--Christopher Llewellyn Reed, Chair and Associate Professor Department of Film/Video School of Design Stevenson University



On Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 Rich Topham Jr. conducted a
Production Sound Recording for Film and HDSLR Workshop at
StudentFilmmakers.com 1123 Broadway, Suite #307, New York, NY 10010
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES FROM THE WORKSHOP!

Learn about HDSLR sound and real-world production techniques from a six-time Emmy Award recipient and 30-year veteran in the motion picture industry.

Production Sound Mixing is the complex craft of recording crisp and clean dialogue and sound effects on the set during film or video production.

With experience in just about all aspects of sound and recording in productions and post-productions, Richard H. Topham Jr. has worked with many major films, televisions series, sitcoms, commercials and industrial videos. His clients include Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers and all major networks, awarding him six Emmy Awards for sound recording. Rich is a member of Cinema Audio Society (CAS), Society of Motion Pictures Technicians and Engineers (SMPTE), Audio Engineering Society (AES) and National Technical Investigators’ Association (NATIA).

This continuing education workshop is for filmmakers and video makers of all levels who are interested in learning real-world applications and techniques related to production sound recording for film and video. The program is designed for Directors, Producers, and Sound Department Crew and Instructors who want to improve their skills, keep updated on tools of trade and take their productions to the next level.

What You Will Learn:

  • Psychology of Production Sound Recording.
  • What the Sound Mixer really hears.
  • What the Camera Operator, Director and the rest of the world hears.
  • Cocktail Party Effects.
  • Digital Recorders.
  • Sound for DSLR.
  • Microphone Basics.
  • Selection and Application of Microphones.
  • Boom Operator Techniques.
  • Practical Usage of Lavaliers and Wireless Mics. Including How-To Rig Lavaliers.
  • Advanced Use of Plant Mics.
  • Portable Mixers, including both ENG Mixers and Mixing Boards.
  • Set Etiquette.
    •

PSS Provides Outstanding EDUCATION!

Taught by Professional Sound Services, our workshops cover the tools, techniques, and procedures used in the professional sound business. Students gain an appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of sound recording, learn tricks for creating an audio design and explore how to manipulate room tone, dialogue, and effects tracks for a realistic sound presence. Pre-production planning, boom and wireless microphone operation, microphone planting, tape-deck signal setup, and other techniques are also addressed. In addition, students are introduced to the latest DAT and analog systems, inter-format recording for music videos and commercial production, time code and other management tools for post production.

 

Montclair University's Film Production Class
Taught by Rich Topham and Eric Perez
March 7, 2011

 

 

 

Click Here for more info on the Workshop!

On Saturday, July 17th, 2010 Rich Topham Jr. conducted a
Production Sound Recording for Film and HDSLR Workshop at
StudentFilmmakers.com 1123 Broadway, Suite #307, New York, NY 10010
CLICK ABOVE FOR MORE INFO AND PICTURES FROM THE WORKSHOP!

Ohio University School of Theater

 

The Audio Workshop and Demo with Sennheiser went very well. We would like to thank Sennheiser and David Missall for inviting Rich Topham and Professional Sound Services to be a part of the workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formerly the New York City Final Cut Users Group established in September 2002, The Moving Pictures Collective fosters our professional filmmaking community to enhance their abilities and broaden their overall knowledge and skills to reach their career goals.

With post-production as our core competency, we will share techniques, tools, and best practices in all competencies including editing, directing, writing, producing, and shooting. We will also promote member collaboration by sharing our work in a supportive environment and create opportunities for our members to flourish.

The Moving Pictures Collective is a 501c3 not-for-profit company that hosts monthly meetings and other events to inform and educate our members on those skills and knowledge that will keep them on the leading edge in the film & video industry.

      

Rich Topham Participating in

MoPictive's ongoing digiWorkshop Series

 

 

Brooklyn College gets in on some "sound" advice from Eric Perez. Eric Perez conducts two classes for the students of Brooklyn College. Some of the topics covered are the newest location sound gear available, shotgun mics, wireless systems, recorders, etc...Also discussed is the sound industry in some detail. Students are eager to learn how to get started in location work and how much they can expect to earn. Eric shares some of his own stories and items he has seen on along the way. Eric's quote "It is alot of fun"


Ohio University

Rich Topham conducting a class for Ohio University

 

Thursday morning, a class of 6 students and their professor, John Butler CAS, came into the office for Rich, to go over the techniques used to get good usable production sound. Rich also went over the new formats of recording (; HHB, Fostex, Cantar, Metacorder), and their good and bad values in our industry. Later in that day, Rich set up for the class to go to C-5 post production with Ben Cheah, to take a tour of their facility.

   

Brooklyn College gets in on some "sound" advice.  Rich Topham teaches a class to Brooklyn College. Brooklyn College students learn the techniques used to get good usable production sound.

For more information on Brooklyn College go to:

SAE / School of Audio Engineering

   

Sound Advice for Film & Video.  Pizza Anyone?  Rich Topham lectures SAE/School of Audio Engineering.  Professional Sound Services provided pizzas for everyone as well as the class.

 



Would you like more information about:

SAE School of Audio Engineering

Contact them at:

1293 Broadway
Herald Square
New York, NY 1001
212.944.9121

 Missouri State University

 Missouri State University

        

School of Communication Studies / Department of Media, Journalism & Film Rich Topham gives a morning and afternoon sound workshop for the media, journalism and film students. Production sound workshop for the Missouri Film Alliance, including on-set demonstration on various sound recording issues. From 9 to 5.

Workshop On Location

For more information
Please call
(800) 883-1033

New Jersey City University (NJCU) 

Media Arts Program / Video Field Productions Course / Guest Lecture on Sounds. Rich Topham discussed how microphones work and the basic principles of good sound recording.

 

SAE Institute of Technology - New York

 

 

SAE NY occupies over 15,000 sq. feet with over 30 studios and workstations including SSL 4000G+ and Neve 88R control rooms, a 5.1 surround studio as well as Mackie analog and digital control rooms. With exclusive AMS-NEVE & SSL training, as well as an included Apple laptop for every student in the Audio Technology Program, SAE NY is the clear choice to jump start your career in the audio industry.

 

Studying at SAE is the first step towards starting a career in the Audio Industry. Working as a Sound Engineer, Live Engineer, Producer and numerous other jobs in the audio and music industry require practical experience, combined with a strong technical knowledge. Training at SAE is highly practical, with an intense amount of practical studio time to perfect the craft.

 

Theory lectures delivered by experienced sound engineers and music industry professionals provide the basis for preparing students for work in recording studios, at live sound venues, in post-production studios and broadcast facilities.

 

SAE's Audio Technology Program has received industry and academic acclaim for over 25 years across the globe. This intensive program is the foundation of every SAE qualification and offer high-level, hands-on practical training in combination with advanced theoretical study. This powerful combination provides our students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the competitive creative media industries as well as equipping graduates for further study towards the degree level.

 


 

Pro Tools class taught by Michael White;
Students are using their Apple laptops
 

Would you like more information about:

 SAE School of Audio Engineering

Contact them at:

1293 Broadway - Herald Square
New York, NY 1001
212.944.9121