Alan Lamarr is a successful composer for television. He is well-known for his work on children's programming, especially animated features.
"I work very closely with the creator of one show in particular, who also happens to be the executive producer. He has a very clear vision for how every episode should turn out. He gets kidded because he is almost obsessively controlling, but every aspect of the show from the look, to the sound effects, to the music, comes from his creative mind," said Alan. "Many times, we'll run through storyboards and Paul, the executive director, will 'act out' the music he wants in particular scenes. Unfortunately," Alan says with a laugh, "Paul isn't a musician. He acts out the rhythm in his mind and describes the kind of sound he wants for each scene. Then I take over."
"Based on what Paul and I have run through together, I watch each animated scene and compose the background music. Some days it comes easy. Paul and I will just click on what he wants and things really flow. Others, I struggle a bit and I have to wait for a flash of inspiration."
Alan works alone in his studio, surrounded by the technology that enables him to turn out the award-winning work he is known for. One challenge was limiting the amount of distractions. "I used to turn off my ringer and let everything run to voice mail while I was composing," said Alan. "That was OK, but I found I was missing important calls. Since I am an independent contractor, I couldn't just ignore potential clients. In fact, I missed an opportunity to work on a big production because I wasn't answering my phone."
A business colleague suggested that Alan make a change. "I did a lot of shopping around before I came here," he said. "I was surprised to learn just how many services were available. Right away, I rolled over my voicemail service, so I wouldn't have to worry about maintenance, which had been a problem for me. I also elected to have a live agent answer every phone call and send all my messages to email."
"I was even able to give a short list of clients that I wanted to work for and a list of clients that I'm just not compatible with to my representative. It was turned into a custom script. Now, the answering agent can accept and schedule appointments for me for those on my short list of preferred clients. What a difference it has made!"
Alan says that the decision has been a profitable one. "I was surprised to learn how much more productive I've become using this system. I used to keep one eye focused on the flashing light on my desk phone. So even if I couldn't hear the calls, I knew they were coming in. I told myself that by not answering, I was getting more done. I guess that wasn't true, because after I got used to this program, I really was able to relax and concentrate on my work. I've gained about five productive hours a week. I only wish I'd known about this sooner," he said with a smile.
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