Power User Gerry Formicola's Journey to Success
The Sound of Success: The Journey of Gerry Formicola and Second City Sound
When Gerry Formicola entered the world of television at just 18 years old, little did he know that his path would evolve into a lifelong career in sound. From his early beginnings in camera operations to becoming the founder of Second City Sound (SCS) in Chicago, Gerry’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Now, with decades of experience, countless industry accolades, and a thriving business, Gerry continues to be a pivotal figure in the world of production sound.
A Passion Born from Experience
Gerry’s career began at a company, which provided video services to the horse racing industry. He found his footing in the world of television during his college years, where hands-on experience shaped his understanding of the industry. “Those experiences were more valuable than anything I learned in school,” Gerry reflects. “As I worked my way through college, I found a growing demand for grip and audio professionals. It just made sense for me to focus on these skills, and I’ve never looked back.”
Though he started out in camera operations, Gerry’s passion for sound quickly grew. “There was a need in audio at Harpo Productions, and I gravitated towards it,” he recalls. A defining moment came when he discovered the intricate art of audio production, realizing it was the area where he could make the most impact.
The Oprah Winfrey Show: A Journey of Innovation and Challenges
Gerry’s career took a turn when he joined Harpo Studios and began working on The Oprah Winfrey Show. What followed was a whirlwind of experiences that would shape his technical expertise. He started from the ground up, literally laying floors in the main studio during renovations. “We were a small core team at Harpo, and we were ready to take on anything,” he says. From managing complex live shows with multiple music acts to coordinating large-scale events, the challenges were vast but rewarding.
“The technology was always evolving, and we were on the cutting edge of it,” Gerry remembers. One of our teams early communications challenges was working with Harpo’s Clear-Com Matrix 3 system to integrate 10 simultaneous Skypes, a major technological feat at the time. “We had to think outside the box, and it became a hallmark of our success.”
The Birth of Second City Sound
After years of working in the industry, Gerry recognized a significant gap in the Chicago market. “During the taping of a reality show, we had to overnight inexpensive cables from out of town. I thought, ‘Why isn’t there a production sound shop in Chicago?’” That’s when the idea for Second City Sound was born. Established in 2012, SCS began as a small part-time venture, operating out of a tiny office near Harpo Studios.
SCS is known for more than just its technical prowess—it’s also a hub for fostering community within the sound industry. “Production sound is often a one-person department unless you're working on larger shows,” Gerry explains. “We encourage manufacturers to support events where users can come together, meet each other, and learn. The sense of community is essential to the work we do.”
The Importance of Customer Service and Support
At SCS, the focus is always on the client. “We want our clients to be happy with their purchases, but more importantly, we want to ensure they’re making the right choices for their needs,” Gerry says. To do this, SCS asks plenty of questions about clients' goals and challenges, ensuring they recommend the best equipment. “We’re not afraid to tell someone that a piece of equipment may not be right for them. It’s about honesty and providing real-world solutions.”
In a rapidly changing industry, SCS continues to adapt to new technologies and challenges. The integration of multiple platforms, from wireless mics to intercom systems, has become more common. “When the pandemic hit, producers pushed the boundaries of what could be done remotely,” Gerry notes. “Now, that kind of innovation has become the new standard.” A recent show that SCS supported, for example, involved 30 Zoom calls integrated into a single livestream, all managed through Dante connectivity and a unified intercom system.
Clear-Com: A Partnership Built on Trust
“The reliability of Clear-Com’s analog and wireless digital systems has been invaluable,” Gerry explains. “We’ve been able to set up large systems quickly, often preprogramming equipment at our shop and having everything up and running in under two hours.”
Training clients and staff on Clear-Com products is also a key part of the process. “Training is often trial by fire, but we also work hands-on with our team and our customers to ensure they’re prepared for what happens on-site,” Gerry says. Whether setting up intercom systems for live shows or troubleshooting unexpected issues, SCS’s experience with Clear-Com products ensures smooth, seamless operations.
The partnership between SCS and Clear-Com has been strong for years, with both companies supporting each other’s growth. “Clear-Com has always been there for us, whether we were pushing the boundaries with new technology or simply needing support for a basic fix,” Gerry says. “That’s what I value most—Clear-Com’s customer service. They’ve been an extension of our team for over 20 years.”
Looking Toward the Future of Audio
The audio industry is constantly evolving, and Gerry is always thinking about what’s next. “RF spectrum management is a big challenge right now,” he notes. “We’re also seeing more manufacturers facilitate local recording on talent wireless, which eliminates the need for traditional wireless systems in some cases.”
For Gerry, staying on top of these changes is essential to ensuring SCS remains a leader in the industry. “The key to success is continuing to learn and adapt,” he says. “I’ve always believed in keeping an open mind and learning as much as possible about all aspects of production. The more knowledge you have, the more you can help your clients.”
The Legacy of Second City Sound
Looking back on his career, Gerry’s legacy is clear: he has dedicated himself to fostering a supportive, innovative community for audio professionals while providing top-tier service to his clients. “I hope the work we’ve done has helped make our clients’ jobs easier and their work better,” Gerry reflects. “One of the things that pleases me most is being able to bring people together, whether it’s through casual meetups in our shop or learning sessions with manufacturers. Connecting people and technology is incredibly rewarding.”
Gerry may not boast about his accolades— awards, industry honors, and an extensive list of high-profile clients—but his peers speak volumes about his reputation. As one industry colleague puts it, “Gerry is the mixer's mixer. When they don’t know how to figure something out, they call Gerry.” For those who know him, Gerry is more than just a sound expert—he’s a mentor, a community builder, and a trusted friend.
Second City Sound’s success is a reflection of Gerry’s unwavering dedication to his craft, his clients, and the industry as a whole. And with the continued support of Clear-Com and his team, the future looks even brighter.