Optical Audio is a full service studio that can bring your soundtrack to life. We work on almost anything audio related, from feature films to advertisements to podcasts. We clean, edit, mix, record and deliver the optimal sound for your project. Optical Audio is conveniently located in the North Loop neighborhood of Austin TX, operated by Eric Friend.
Eric has worked as a re-recording mixer, sound designer, engineer, and composer for the past twenty five years on feature films, commercials, shorts, documentaries, animation, television, podcasts, and streaming programs for such clients as HBO, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Comedy Central, Sony, Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, Facebook and Sesame Street. Eric's work has been featured at numerous film festivals including Sundance, Toronto, Venice, Cannes, Berlin, Tribeca, SXSW, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, and more.
Eric learned about filmmaking from his father in Michigan, and as a child created his own films, recordings and soundtracks. He moved to Austin, Texas to attend the University of Texas Radio/ Television/ Film program, graduating in 1995. He began working for Richard Linklater’s Detour Filmproductions in 1993. From 1995 to 2009, Eric worked for Mike Judge, operating his recording studio and editing suites. In 2009 Eric opened Friendo Sound, which later became Optical Audio.
Eric studied piano in Michigan with legendary pianist Eddie Russ and the composer Dr. Morris Lawrence. He played keyboards and toured with the band Spoon for several years, and most recently joined The Reivers.
