Andrew Yankiwski: Owner
Andrew caught the audio production bug as a hobbyist in 1992. The drummer in his Grindcore band moved out of province, so he quickly learned to program a drum machine prior to recording an EP in a local studio. This led to early experiments in Industrial Metal followed by Techno, Deep House, Downtempo and Drum and Bass. By 1996 he began releasing music independently and performing at raves, warehouse parties and club nights as one half of the duo FLFK. Andrew cofounded Precursor in 2000 out of the need to have a dedicated studio for his own music projects, but it quickly attracted clients and students. Naturally drawn toward boundary-pushing music in every genre, he created innovative studio workflows to infuse Precursor’s audio production with this spirit. Andrew also developed Precursor’s audio production courses from the ground-up, in response to the limitations of traditional audio production training. He has an undergraduate Arts degree (History major, English minor) and a Law degree from the University of Manitoba. His volunteer work as a board member of New Media Manitoba and as Chair of Film Training Manitoba reflects his passion for film, digital technology and video games. Career highlights include recording Liam Neeson’s ADR for The Marksman, hosting Natalia Dyer for her ADR on episodes of Stranger Things season 4, recording Dan Bakkedahl’s ADR for the final episode of Veep and recording Hilary Swank’s narration the documentary Becoming Annika.
Auston Green
Auston’s path in audio production grew out of his love of Hip Hop, beat-making and poetry. He completed Precursor’s audio production training program in 2013 and began working as an assistant engineer in 2014. He furthered his education by completing his Diploma at Recording Arts Canada in 2016, continuing his work with Precursor throughout his studies. Auston showed an early aptitude for sound design and has brought his unique approach via Foley and sound effects work on innumerable films, television shows, video games, apps, podcasts, audiobooks and installations. He is an accomplished Foley artist, sound effects editor, dialog editor, music editor, mix engineer and assistant re-recording mixer. In his free time he devotes himself to his passion for writing poetry and screenplays. Career highlights include: recording Alex Hassle’s narration for the audiobook version of Lynda La Plante’s Vanished, editing the audiobook version of Wab Kinew’s The Reason You Walk, recording Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers’ narration for the audiobook version of Dammed, by Brittany Luby, recording Holly Bernier’s voice acting for the Industries of Titan video game and recording with A Tribe Called Red, Faouzia and Wilbert Chancy.
Paul Blandford
Paul’s path into audio production sprang from his desire to bridge left-field styles of electronic music with dance floor-friendly genres. Under the moniker Dan Fur, he has produced, performed and released electronic music since 2016. He joined the Precursor team in 2019 after completing advanced custom training the previous year. His deep love of synthesis is reflected in his unique collection of analog, hybrid, digital and modular synths. As a producer, Paul uses his extensive knowledge of traditional music theory to ground his more experimental tendencies. He is an accomplished mix engineer, mastering engineer, dialog editor, Foley artist, sound effects editor, ADR mixer and assistant re-recording mixer. In his time at Precursor he has overseen countless advertising spots, ADR sessions, voiceover sessions and podcast records. Paul also instructs Precursor audio production classes and provides custom tutorials. Paul has a Bachelor of Management from Dalhousie University (major in Leadership and Organization). Career highlights include: recording Natalia Dyer’s ADR for episodes of Stranger Things season 4, recording Laurel Marsden’s ADR for episodes of Ms. Marvel and producing music and completing full audio post for G Adventures’ Bring On The World campaign.