Optical Audio is an audio post production studio for film, television, and streaming media. We work on almost anything audio related, from feature films to advertisements to podcasts. 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 30 years. He works on feature films, commercials, shorts, documentaries, animation, television, podcasts, and streaming programs for HBO, 20th Century Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Peacock, PBS, Criterion Channel, Hulu, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, New Yorker Films, Paramount, Sony, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Disney, A24, Magnolia Pictures, Neon, and Meta. Eric's work has been featured at numerous film festivals including Sundance, TIFF, Venice, Cannes, Berlin, Tribeca, Locarno, SXSW, Los Angeles, DIFF, Telluride, Fantastic Fest, Austin Film Festival, 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 pianist Eddie Russ and composer Dr. Morris Lawrence. He has performed solo piano and played keyboards as a studio musician. Eric toured with the band Spoon for several years, and more recently performed with The Reivers.
