Access All Arrows — Jungle

Jungle Studios have been a leading fixture on Soho's Wardour St since 1994. They're an award winning sound design, recording & music studio, with a reputation for nurturing the next generation of creative talent. They offer a personal, high-end service across Dolby Atmos, ADR, casting, voice-over recording, mixing & bespoke music composition/ supervision.

We spoke to Jungle's Sound Designer, Ben Leeves, about the challenges facing young talent in the industry and advice for those starting out.

What’s the role of the Young Arrows within the advertising industry?

Showcasing young talent within the industry is vital. How do we attract people from all backgrounds? By showcasing the young talent that is coming through. “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’ is a very true statement when it pertains to young people with in the industry.

What are some of the challenges young people face starting off in the industry, and what can we do about these challenges?

In our part of the industry, its very much been the lack of roles available. There have been a long and slow declined in entry level opportunities. Technology has played a huge part of that. It takes less people to run a studio than ever before. We have to show patience with young people taking on the roles. The industry has a lot of the older generation still in it, they have a huge amount of experience. So, when a younger person takes on these roles, who is alongside more experience peers, they have to compete with that experience. We need to give them the space and confidence to try things and fail, without undermining that process.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the industry? Or the best piece of advice you received early on in your career?

The best piece of advice given to me was always to say yes! Take on the challenges, if it meant putting yourself way out of your comfort zone, so be it. It meant long hours in studios learning the craft, but it was worth it. It’s not given to you, you have to earn it.

What do you think are the most important skills/qualities that young professionals need when starting out in the advertising industry?

Openness to try different roles. Your first role may not be the one you stay with. Getting on the ladder within the industry opens yours eyes to many different roles and branches. So, if you see a role that is different to the one you are doing, and like the look of it, learn about it. Ask questions. Because maybe one day that could be your role.

Thank you to Jungle for sponsoring the Young Arrows Original Composition award.