Header Logo
Store Blog
About Contact
LOG IN
← Back to all posts

Hollywood Insider Daily Smart - Daily moves for Creatives building their own Hollywood.

Feb 24, 2026
Connect

 

Hack #2 of this week’s 5 Indie Film Hacks might surprise you, because it has nothing to do with your camera.

I say this all the time and people still don’t believe me: audio is more important than video.

If your picture is soft, people will forgive you.

If your sound is trash? They’re gone.

You’re in a theater and you’re watching a short film festival. Without fail, the ones that look funny or feel “just off” have an audio problem.

The audience thinks it’s lighting or camera — but it’s always sound.

We often push back when the sound guy wants a rate plus a fee for his gear — but that’s standard. No matter how low the budget, I always, ALWAYS, get a good sound mixer with their own equipment.

You can usually find someone on sites like Staff Me Up.

The key to this business is people. Once you work with people, you get to know them and now you have more folks you can call to work on your own projects.

Ideally, you’re helping others out on their projects, and by default you are building a network of people you can build with.

Clean audio = instant professionalism.

Bad audio = “student film” real quick.

Dial in your sound today. And tomorrow? I’ll teach you a lighting hack that creates shape, depth, and mood…for free.

 

Talk soon,

 Nicki Micheaux

How I accidentally networked my way to a studio executive
What if I told you that you could network, and not be weird? I know. Wild concept. Let me tell you about one of my first events in LA. I was an actress with zero work, fresh from a small college town trying to figure out this big fancy city. My hair was weird. My outfit was weird. I felt completely out of place. I was standing in line at this industry event, so uncomfortable I didn't know what...
Breaking into Hollywood: Essential Tips for Aspiring Actors
Hello there, future stars! Welcome to this week's newsletter where we'll be diving into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name in lights, this one's for you. We're going to share some essential tips to help you break into the acting scene and start your journey towards stardom. Mastering the Craft First and foremost, acting is an art that requires skill a...
Understanding the Film Industry: A Comprehensive Guide for Newbies
Hello Film Enthusiasts! Welcome to this week's newsletter where we'll be diving into the captivating world of the film industry. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned cinephile, there's always something new to learn about this dynamic industry. The Magic Behind the Scenes Ever wondered how your favorite movies are made? It all starts with a script, then moves to pre-production, production, and ...

Hollywood Insider's Daily Newsletter

Smart daily moves for creators building their own Hollywood
© 2026 Elevate CreativeTalents

GET THE FREE GUIDE

Enter your details below to get this free guide.