1. Can you tell us about yourself and current role?
My name is Jessica Arkoff and I’m currently a Dialogue and ADR Supervisor in Los Angeles, CA.
2. Why did you choose to study at Pulse College?
I always knew I wanted to go out of state for school but never thought I’d find my self in another country! After a few years at another school back home I realized I was looking for something more hands on and creative. After some research and a visit to Pulse I knew it was the place for me. The rich history of the school and the city was unlike anything I’d seen.
3. What did you enjoy most about your time at Pulse College and Dublin?
The things I enjoyed about Ireland are numerous and to say the experience was life changing would be an understatement. The professors and administrators at Pulse College were knowledgeable and friendly. It’s a rarity to find people who want to teach you as much as you want to learn. Unlike other schools, Pulse gave me hands on experience from day one. Their industry standard facilities gave me the drive to continue through the program and the confidence once I entered other studio environments.
4. What kind of things did you learn that prepared you for your industry?
Though I studied Music Production there was so much that was imperative to my crossover into film sound. More often than not I’ve found that other sound editors in my field have come from a background in music production. Not only does it teach you the principles of ProTools and other industry tools – it sharpens your ears. I truly believe it’s what has made me flourish in my position. Being a Dialogue and ADR editor you need to be able to recognize even the slightest shift in tone, timbre, and pitch of each line to make the smoothest cut possible. No one wants to be pulled out of a movie because an ADR line was out of sync or a car sounds magically appear in a scene set in the middle of nowhere!
5. What were the most challenging aspects of the course?
The course compacts years of curriculum into only 3. Being a thorough course I’d say speed was my biggest challenge. Each course had it’s own project deadlines that I had to learn to time manage. Which is exactly how the music and film industry work. Pulse treats you like a professional from day one and though it may be challenging it was a valuable skill to learn.
6. What would you say are the top requirements for someone looking to enter your industry?
7. What’s next for you?
Recently I’ve started projects as a Supervising Sound Editor working directly with directors, executives, and studios. I’m also overseeing all FX, Foley, Dialogue, and ADR. Right now I’m on my 5th movie for Netflix this year while starting the road to dialogue and music mixing.
8. What is your proudest achievement to date?
Last year I had the opportunity to be the dialogue editor for Spiderman No Way Home. I’m a big Marvel geek so getting a behind the scenes look at how movies of that caliber come together was an insane experience. After over 500 lines of ADR, reshoots, new versions of the movie every other week, and 7 months of craziness- being able to sit in that theatre and be able think to myself “I did it” was the most rewarding moment for me. It’s only encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Every project stretching from your years in school to years well into your career is a learning opportunity that’ll only push you farther into the creative life you’re after. Pulse college was instrumental in that process and I wouldn’t change a day.
For more information about Pulse College please contact Emma O’Brien in admissions.
e. emma.obrien@pulsecollege.com
t. +353 1 4784045
w. www.pulsecollege.com
20 Ringsend Road, Dublin 4, Ireland.