Game Audio Network Guild

[LuciferInAshes]

Hello...

 

In case you haven't heard, hundreds of music and interactive entertainment industry professionals just like yourself are joined together as members of the Game Audio Network Guild. G.A.N.G. is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to raising the bar for audio development in interactive media. The individuals who make up G.A.N.G understand the power of audio and its importance in making interactive media a gratifying and provocative experience. On behalf of G.A.N.G. I am proud to extend to you an invitation to join the Guild!

 

About G.A.N.G.

 

G.A.N.G. is a non-profit organization funded by its members and corporate sponsors. All members contribute through yearly dues and are encouraged to take an active role in the organization by writing articles, white papers, and through other activities such as working with G.A.N.G.’s directors on projects crucial to the success of the Guild and its members. G.A.N.G.’s sponsors provide financial and technical support to the organization in return for feedback on their products and services. Everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the organization’s collective success. This makes G.A.N.G. a winning team!

 

G.A.N.G. Members

 

Did I mention how impressive our roster is? Here is a sample of the people and organizations that belong to G.A.N.G.:

 

• Aaron Marks (Author of The Complete Guide to Game Audio)

• Analog Devices, Inc. (SoundMAX SPX)

• Blitz Digital Studios

• Brian Schmidt, Microsoft (Xbox: Audio Program Manager)

• Buzz Burrowes, Sony Computer Entertainment (Director of Audio)

• Dan Irish, Relic Entertainment (Executive Producer: Myst III)

• Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

• Jeremy Soule (Total Annihilation, Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Neverwinter Nights)

• Jon Kirchner, DTS (President & CEO)

• Marty O’Donnell, Bungie Entertainment (Myth I & II, Oni, Halo: Combat Evolved)

• Murray Allen, Electronic Arts, Inc (Vice President of Post Production, Testing & Tech Support)

• Scott Gershin, Soundelux DMG (Founder, Creative Director, Sound Designer & Mixer)

• The Fatman, (Industry legend… ‘nuff said!)

• Thomas Dolby

 

These names represent a very small percentage of our membership. That being said, these folks realize how important the organization's mission is. Their initiative and diversity speak volumes about the Game Audio Network Guild!

 

Membership Types

 

G.A.N.G. supports four types of memberships: Professional, Associate, Apprentice and Student. Professional members are professionals that have or are currently working on audio development for interactive media. Associate members are audio-friendly designers, engineers, producers and other individuals who share G.A.N.G.'s vision for improved interactive media production through the implementation of high quality audio content and systems. Apprentice members are those looking to make audio development for interactive media their chosen profession. Students are encouraged to join and take advantage of the numerous education and networking opportunities that exist through G.A.N.G.

 

Member Benefits

 

G.A.N.G. is focused on seeing our members thrive. We have developed an ambitious member benefits program to help give them an edge. Take a look at the advantages you can enjoy as a G.A.N.G. member:

 

• G.A.N.G. Website: www.AudioGANG.org is our town hall. Our message boards provide members with a forum to discuss current events, provide and gather information as well as to share their experiences with one another. Members can draw on the pool of resources we are amassing, which includes white papers, articles and other great content. And let's not forget about Job Postings! If you are looking for a gig or have a position available, the G.A.N.G. website is the perfect place to find what you are looking for!

• G.A.N.G. Archives: All of our members are listed in the G.A.N.G. Archives. This database is available to producers and developers searching for the right audio pro to add to their team. Your credits and bio will be posted for all to check out what you've worked on and what you are all about. Got to keep the fans happy! Think of it as the Internet Movie Database for interactive audio professionals!

• Discounts: The directors of G.A.N.G. are working diligently to create plenty of discounts for our membership. We've already got world renowned sample library developer Gary Garritan to offer his "Garritan Strings" collection at a reduced cost to our members. How about a deal on Hollywood Edge libraries? Sound Ideas too! And a range of CD duplication services through Community Musician. G.A.N.G. has arranged for reduced membership fees into the IGDA (International Game Developer’s Association) and the SCL (Society of Composers & Lyricists) for its members. And I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t like to pay less for GDC passes… you can get reduced prices on those as well through GANG! And there are more on the way!

• Events: G.A.N.G. is active in the interactive entertainment industry! We are making planned appearances at the top industry events, including the upcoming DVD Conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 22nd. G.A.N.G. members Aaron Marks, Buzz Burrowes, Brian Schmidt and Dolby’s Jack Buser will be hosting a workshop on game audio at the AES Convention in Los Angeles this October. Two of G.A.N.G.’s founders, Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall are independently planning an orchestral symphony concert at the Hollywood Bowl on May 16th, 2003 (The last day of E3). The show will feature some of the greatest pieces of music ever written for interactive media all by G.A.N.G. members – a true celebration of the game industry! And G.A.N.G is invited!

• Recognition: Speaking of award shows, we've got plenty of accolades to give out each year. Nothing like a round of applause and a nod from your peers to make your hard work all the more worth it! We believe strongly in the worth of our craft. G.A.N.G. wants very much to show its appreciation for those individuals who make working in audio for interactive media better for all of us! Besides awards, each member will receive a G.A.N.G. certificate to proudly display on their wall.

• Networking: As you can see there are some true industry giants behind the success of this organization. How does this help you? One word... networking! I don't know anyone in the interactive media or recording industries that wouldn't jump at the chance to rub elbows with our members! Of course the potential for networking is endless. Time to get connected! Already established? Even better! Here is your chance to meet up with programmers that want to work with audio. You can talk with designers that understand why it is important to work in the audio before production starts. You can even share with producers that are interested in knowing more about the importance of audio in interactive media and how it (read: you) can improve their productions.

• Other Benefits: We are always brainstorming for new ways to improve our member's quality of life. Long-term benefit goals include insurance and a student scholarship program! For a list of all of the G.A.N.G. benefits go to http://www.audiogang.org/benefits.php or experience our flash brochure designed by the award winning company Blitz Studios at: http://www.audiogang.com/index2.html

 

Accomplishments and Long Term Goals

 

More important than the short-term benefits is the long-term impact G.A.N.G. will have on the world of interactive entertainment. As an organized community of professional composers, sound designers, recordists, musicians, publishers, music manufacturers, executives, producers, game designers, programmers and engineers (phew!), we are going to make an impression on the entertainment industry and beyond! Just look at what G.A.N.G. has in the works:

• G.A.N.G. Contract for Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra: On June 10th, 2002, G.A.N.G. members Tommy Tallarico, Jack Wall, Steven Geering and Ross Deroche met with the Recording Musicians of America (RMA) to negotiate a new G.A.N.G. exclusive contract which would allow members to record with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra for competitive rates. This means interactive audio professionals can finally fit recording time with the world's premier orchestra into their budgets. Click here for the full story!

• Retail stores to place game sound tracks in game sections: G.A.N.G. is spearheading a movement to relocate game soundtracks into the games section of major retail stores. We are talking about Best Buy & Walmart here! This will increase exposure to the right markets and increase sales potential for game composer’s work.

• Relationship forged between SCL and G.A.N.G: The Society of Composers and Lyricists has backed G.A.N.G. from day one. And we are working on more strategic partnerships with other key industry groups as well.

• Best Video Game Music Category for the Grammys: The Board of Directors for G.A.N.G. were an integral part of getting video game music included in the Grammy awards over two years ago. Currently we compete with Film & Television but now we are setting our sites on getting a unique category to call our own!

 

Join the G.A.N.G.!

 

It is time we see audio for interactive media through to the next level, as both a respected profession and as an art form. Come join the G.A.N.G. and share in the wealth of the interactive audio community! You can apply online right now by visiting www.AudioGANG.org!

 

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me directly at todd@audiogang.org

 

 

Yours in Audio,

 

Todd M. Fay (a.k.a. LAX)

 

Director of Development

Game Audio Network Guild

Todd@AudioGANG.org