Toby Zheng is a production sound mixer and sound recordist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) in London, Ontario, before returning home to Winnipeg to pursue a career in sound. Toby has worked on non-union projects, including documentaries, television and commercials, while also maintaining membership in the sound department of IATSE Local 856. She enjoys both watching and working on comedic projects and enjoys the challenge of achieving quality sound.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I graduated from OIART (Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology) in 2017 in London, Ontario, and immediately returned home to Winnipeg. I was looking for opportunities in workshops and volunteering; any way I could get into the industry in the sound department. In the non-union world, I started volunteering on short films, and in the union world, I started in the Lighting and Grip departments.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I work in the Sound department. It’s where I have wanted to get into since being in school, and I have been interested in sound since I was a child. I really enjoy recording sound and getting the best quality possible. It’s always an interesting challenge daily with different locations, costumes and situations.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
It feels like there are more women who work in film than when I first started.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
Always ask questions! Don’t be afraid of sounding stupid; chances are someone else is thinking the same questions as you. You’re always learning, never forget that.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the media production industry?
Be assertive, but patient. There are many ways to get into the industry, but maybe not quite where you want to end up. Make connections, do the work and keep a positive attitude. I worked part-time while trying to break in, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Stay humble.
Why is learning and training important?
There’s always new information and equipment coming out. You will never know everything; always be open to learning!
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
RuPaul’s Drag Race and its various franchises. They have crazy costumes, and the sound still sounds great. It would be incredibly interesting to be working on a show like that.
Is there something about you or an interesting past experience that you’d like to share with your colleagues?
I also record voiceovers. I once voiced the main character of an online game as a teenager.
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
The Sound department is so small, I would love to work with more Sound people. There’s usually little crossover since people have their dedicated teams, or the work is singular, so it would be nice to work with/meet the other Sound locals.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
As a Production Sound Mixer- not sure where I’ll be physically, but I would like to still be doing this work. I hope to work on many different types of projects and maybe even create something of my own.
FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program funded through the Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade & Job Creation. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film and television industry to identify training needs to support workforce development output.