Philippines seen as potential hub for audio production

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has the potential to serve as a hub for audio production in the global stage with the coronavirus pandemic opening opportunities for the industry, according to local audio-post production and music facility for advertising Hit Productions Inc.

Hit Productions president and managing partner Vic Icasas said in a press briefing there is no better time than now for Philippine audio production to step up and go global.

“I believe the Philippines is set to take on a higher role in audio production for global film, television, music, gaming, advertising, and other key creative industries. Without discounting the negative effects of the pandemic, we can acknowledge that it also created a silver lining for the audio production industry by showing us that we can accomplish our work remotely. This opens up a multitude of opportunities for Filipino production houses, studios and the like to be discovered outside the Philippines,” he said.

Amid restrictions due to the pandemic, he said Philippine audio production had to adapt by taking advantage of the Filipinos’ English proficiency and musical talent, as well as digital tools.

When the pandemic hit the country last year, he said Hit Productions adapted to limitations by using a mobile recording kit or tablet-based application delivered to voice actors who cannot go to the studio to record.

The mobile recording kit comes with a pair of professional headphones and microphone and is preloaded with all the scenes and scripts the voice actor would need to complete their parts.

When it’s time for the voice actor to record, the client and agency would supervise the recording via Zoom.

Hit Productions also makes use of a van retrofitted to become a sound studio where voice talents can record.

To improve the quality of recordings at home, Hit Productions has invested in software and audio plug ins to make the sound like they were done in a studio.

Given the available resources and tools, Hit Productions believes the company and other production houses in the country are prepared to handle any project.

“With all of the digital tools and mobile and remote solutions available at our disposal today, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go beyond where we are now. It’s time for us to produce more world-class ads, films, shows, games, and campaigns while staying close to our Filipino culture,” Icasas said.

Established in 1991, Hit Productions was formed to provide quality music for radio and television advertising.

The firm has provided sound production for campaigns of the country’s biggest brands including Globe, McDonald’s, Jollibee, and Emperor Brandy, and worked with ad agencies across the globe.