Zach Fortin is executive producer at Mr. Bronx, a New York-based audio post studio specializing in commercial/film mixing, sound design, voice recording and audio installations. During the course of his career, he has held similar positions at Preymaker and Method/Company 3. His work includes Beyoncé’s 2024 Super Bowl commercial with Verizon, along with projects for other brands, including Xfinity and State Street, among others. He has extensive experience in production and visual effects, as well as in building strong teams and client relationships.

We spoke to him to find out more…

What does your role of executive producer at Mr. Bronx entail?
Since Mr. Bronx is a smaller boutique studio, I wear many hats, focusing on culture, outward-facing ideology, fostering existing relationships and pursuing long-term growth and scalability in our pipeline.

What would surprise people about what that job also includes?
Humility. I would say it’s key to any type of producer but is rarely discussed or recognized. We often navigate emotions, outside circumstances and clients’ perspectives.

What is your favorite part of audio post?
My favorite part has to be where audio falls in the post process and the impact it has on the final product. I often like to compare this to the color correction stage. The auditory experience is a crucial element that contributes to the overall tone and cohesion of the piece, and this transformation occurs in a relatively short period of time. When you finish, you always come out feeling incredibly moved and with the piece feeling nearly complete.

How do you like to work with clients? Any best practices you can share?
Sometimes things are straightforward, and sometimes they are not. When situations are open to interpretation in the post production process, I prefer to collaborate. I must admit (and I know it’s a dirty phrase) that I like to consider myself a creative producer. A wise creative director once told me that as we advance in our careers, the roles of executive producer and creative director should become interchangeable for our clients. While many people might disagree with this idea, I believe that with thoughtful consideration and humility, we can all learn something valuable.

Are you a musician as well?
I wouldn’t classify myself as a musician, but I consider myself an artist in a certain sense. That said, I do enjoy music. I am a patron of dance, which has a symbiotic relationship with music. I like to think that my connection to music is rooted in a similar relationship.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Working together across all disciplines to produce high-quality work and provide mentorship. And dressing the way we get to dress in advertising. (smiles)

If you didn’t have this job, what would you be doing instead?
Motor sports

How did you choose this profession?
It kind of chose me. I was a late bloomer and had a whole other life before this one. It’s best for sharing at a wrap dinner.

What are some recent projects you’ve worked on?
Mint Mobile, The White Lotus and the Brawl Stars collaboration with Toy Story.

Can you talk about the one that was most challenging and why?
Working on the Brawl Stars/Toy Story project was challenging but very rewarding. Collaborating with established brands, each with a legacy and a clear vision, can be demanding. The involvement of major stakeholders and high-profile directors raises the stakes even higher. However, experience teaches you when to assert yourself and when to compromise. The standards are undeniably high, but the work is always incredible.

Name three pieces (or more) of technology you can’t live without.
Cloud computing, which powers my Xbox and supports scaling my business for the future; my noise-canceling headphones; and NTS Radio.

Read the full piece HERE.