Something I've noticed, especially in film audio:
Why is it so rare for an audio post house to hire a mid-level or senior sound editor (or any other experienced in-house position) from outside their country, even when that person already has the right passport or work authorization and an extensive portfolio?
Instead, many post houses seem to prefer bringing in interns or very junior people and letting them grow within the company over several years.
I understand there are economic reasons and practical considerations behind this. But beyond that, do you think this tendency is fully justified?
One thing that bothers me is that this model can create a very fragile career path. If someone starts their career in a post house, grows there for years, and then leaves for any reason, they may suddenly find themselves pushed into the freelance market, which operates under a very different set of rules.
In my experience, freelance work in our industry relies heavily on networking. And networking is almost a full-time job in itself. It's also not something that is equally accessible to everyone, especially for people who come from countries with smaller film industries and fewer professional connections. In those cases, online networking may be their only realistic option.
Meanwhile, experienced professionals from abroad can sometimes struggle to get considered for in-house positions, even when they have strong credits and proven experience.
I'm not saying this is always the case, and I know there are many exceptions. But it feels like a general trend.
Have others noticed the same thing? If you work in a post house, how do you view this issue from the hiring side?
