There are lots of gems in Wired's interview with former NYT director of multimedia, Andrew DeVigal, but I really like his thoughts about the role of audio and an audio producer on a multimedia project:
Wired: How do you weigh editing visuals against audio?
AD: I’ve found it successful to send out the videographer/photographer with an audio producer. The audio producer will come back, work as the video editor and also edit images with the photographer. I prefer the videographer/photographer not to be responsible necessarily for editing. That intended disconnect is helpful; photographers tend to be sensitive in the editing suite. Photographers are essential collaborators but shouldn’t be leaders in the editing.
Audio is the backbone to multimedia. So, if the audio producer out in the field is also the video editor, it allows for audio to drive the narrative and the visuals to support that. Editing can be more nuanced and less literal. For example, there is no need to repeat something in words or in audio that is on already in the visuals on-screen.
The entirety of the interview is definitely worth a read.










