The Story

Auckland Audio was established in 1990.

Over the past 18 years there have been various changes to the company structure including the addition of the Word of Mouth talent agency (now NZ’s longest running voice agency) which was formed to service another need highlighted within the industry.

Auckland Audio is now owned by Simon Adams & Tanja Mandich. Simon is the company’s senior sound designer and has an extensive background in film and television drama post production as well as being one of NZ’s best foley artists. Tanja (BSc of Electronics) is originally from Croatia. Before coming to New Zealand she spent a couple of years working in the RTS Broadcasting Centre as a Graphic Designer and 3D animator for weekly live television shows. Tanja has been part of the Auckland Audio team since 2005, and in 2007 became a Company director.

Auckland Audio currently employs 7 staff who operate and facilitate five studios with clients throughout NZ, Australia, USA, UK, Asia & Europe.

Check out the facilities page for pictures of Auckland Audio.

people

engineers

• Simon Adams

Simon’s 20-year involvement in the Film & television industry covers virtually every technical and artistic aspect relating to audio and its application. Simon employs the highest level of appreciation and passion to sound for picture, recognising the indispensable contribution it makes to the impact, emotional impact and effectiveness of the final message. His experience nationally and internationally covers TV & cinema commercials, over 20 feature films, Dolby final mixing & print mastering in SR & digital formats, many short films, TV dramas & series, live to air studio & OB broadcast mixing. Other talents include being one of New Zealand’s longest serving & experienced foley artists. Simon places great importance on creativity, communication and support with client satisfaction that continues to fuel his passion for the art.

• Vedat Kiyici

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, he went to live in New York to pursue studies in audio technology. After graduating from the Institute of Audio Research he started an audio career in the music industry, recording and mixing local talent as well as working with world-renowned musicians. During his time in NYC Vedat also pursued studies in TV production, multimedia, and advertising. In 2004 he came to New Zealand after 9 years of New York experience. Not long after joining the team, he found himself working on projects such as River Queen, Lion Man, Intrepid Journeys, and Remarkable Vets to name a few. From a 15” radio spot to an hour-long prime-time programme - as a client quoted- "he brings a world-class quality to the table".
Go to Vedat's myspace page

• Craig Matuschka

Craig has been working at Auckland Audio since 2004, beginning in the dubbing room and progressing quickly into full-time studio engineer through his enthusiasm and hard work. In his time at Auckland Audio, Craig has sound designed a large number of TV commercials for various ad agencies throughout NZ and has also mixed a number of TV programs local and international some of which include ING Golf Club and Rugby Focus. Craig has also been involved in film work, working on the feature Futile Attraction and assisting in the ADR of the American feature film Dungeon Siege. He has also worked on several short films doing anything from foley to tracklaying and SFX. Craig also loves music and has recorded the odd band on weekends as side projects and also recently mixed the newly released album by dj Logikal and Kd Lok. Craig enjoys all the challenges that come with audio engineering whether it be technical or creative and will always produce a top-quality result.

• Nigel Foster

Nigel began his professional audio engineering career in music at Auckland’s Airforce Studios in 1990. Working with some of New Zealand’s finest artists including The Exponents, Midge Marsden, and The Straw People. He left New Zealand in 1993 to backpack around the world and spent nine years freelancing in various London facilities in all areas of post production. In 2001 his sound designing abilities attracted the attention of Disney, who offered him a full-time position. He worked for three and a half years at their new west London facilities on many award winning shows including BAFTA winning Brush-head. He has returned home to Auckland and is now a proud member of the Auckland Audio team.

administration/facilities

• Tanja Mandich

Auckland Audio & WOM Managing Director. Tania

Tatjana (Tanja) came to New Zealand from Croatia in 1995 and loves every bit of it. Tanja has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics/Telecommunications. She has been working with accounts and bookkeeping for the last ten years, and started her own company in January 2003. She is married with two children, enjoys dancing, playing and watching sports especially indoor volleyball. Tanja has been looking after the accounts for Auckland Audio and Word of Mouth since May 2005 and in May 2007 became a company director.

accounts

(auckland audio & wom)

• Jovana Marinovic

Auckland Audio & WOM Accounts Jovanna

Jovana was born in city of Belgrade. She joined our team after years spent in management where she gained her first experience in accounting. She is completing her degree in international business and communication management and is looking forward to dress up for the graduation ceremony. Why AA and WOM: 'cosmopolitan vibe' she says.

Word Of Mouth

• Carrie Waldegrave

Manager – Word of Mouth Voice Agency Carrie

Carrie came from a Journalism background before arriving at WOM in 2004.
"It was a spontaneous decision to jump into the world of Voiceovers but it has so far proved to be lots of fun! One day I'll return to the South of France to retire and write but in the meantime, WOM is my baby and it's a great challenge.
What do I love most about my job? Representing such gorgeous, talented artists; the freedom & responsibility of running a small business; the family at the studio (Auckland Audio) and the steady flow of fun & frivolity."