When I connected with Tony Wijs, founder of Immersed Productions, I was immediately struck by his passion for storytelling through sound. Tony doesn’t just design audio—he crafts immersive worlds that transport audiences into the heart of a story. From sci-fi games to audio dramas, his work blurs the line between sound and emotion, proving that audio isn’t just a supporting role—it’s the soul of creativity. With a career rooted in music and an eye toward the future of technology, Tony is reimagining how sound shapes our experiences.
Tell us about yourself and your company.
I’m the founder of Immersed Productions. I grew up moving between Florida and Chicago, always surrounded by creativity and music. I pursued a degree in audio engineering and audio production, which led me into recording bands, producing music, and eventually finding my way into voiceover and sound design.
Immersed Productions was born out of my passion for storytelling and immersion in sound. It started as a way to help other actors and creatives produce high-quality audio. Over time, it grew into a global endeavor, working with actors and agencies around the world. The name “Immersed” reflects my belief in creating soundscapes that pull people into the story and make them feel like they’re part of the experience.
You’ve worked on a variety of projects. What are some highlights?
I’ve done sound design for video games, animations, audio dramas, and podcasts. Creating soundscapes for sci-fi games and designing monster sounds have been especially exciting. For me, sound isn’t just something you add at the end of a project—it’s a vital part of the storytelling process.
One of my goals is to create worlds through sound that captivate audiences. It’s not just about making things sound good; it’s about drawing people into the story in a way that feels seamless and immersive.
The creative industries are in a state of flux. How are you navigating these changes?
Building relationships has been key for me. When you connect with people who believe in your vision and your integrity, opportunities tend to follow. Immersed Productions is built on the idea of working with great people to tell great stories, regardless of whether it’s for games, podcasts, or other mediums.
I’ve also helped podcast creators grow their audiences, taking shows from zero listeners to a steady and growing fan base. It’s fulfilling to help people share their stories in a way that resonates with audiences.
Do you create your own projects, or are you primarily focused on client work?
Most of my time is spent working on client projects, but I’ve dabbled in creating my own work. Years ago, I created a machinima project using a video game engine to tell a story. It took a year to produce, and every element—from character movement to sound design—was crafted from scratch.
Even if only one person saw it, it was worth it because it reminded me why I started in this field: for the love of storytelling. I always encourage creatives to return to their roots and make something for themselves, even if they’re busy with client work.
How are you incorporating new technology into your work?
Technology has completely transformed the way I work. Tools like Source-Connect allow me to record actors remotely from anywhere in the world as if they were in my studio. The quality has become so good that geography is no longer a barrier.
AI is another area I’m exploring. While some people fear that AI will take over creative jobs, I see it as an opportunity. The question isn’t, “How will this replace us?” but, “How can it serve us?” AI can streamline workflows and enhance our creative process if used thoughtfully and ethically.
What advice do you have for creatives facing the challenges of a changing industry?
You have to stay open to change. If you resist, you risk being left behind. The creative world is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to adapt and find ways to make new tools work for you.
Also, never forget why you started. Return to the projects that fuel your passion and creativity. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of client work, but those personal projects can reignite your inspiration and remind you of your purpose.
