Sound Matters with Chris Munro & Simon Hayes

Episode 8: with guest Music & Sound Editor John Warhurst

The conversation delves into the intricacies of sound production in musical films, exploring the use of live performances, pre-recorded vocals, and the role of AI in recreating authentic sound. It also touches on the technical aspects of recording, processing, and delivering high-quality audio for film production. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to film sound production, including the use of playback, multi-track playback, timecode machines, mechanical equipment tricks, live singing, tempo lock, picture slipping process, pre-records, crowd recordings, and sound design for the Bowie movie. The discussion also delves into the use of Dolby Atmos and the blending of sound and music in film production. Takeaways * Live performances in musical films add authenticity and depth to the sound, enhancing the audience's connection to the performance. * The use of AI in recreating authentic sound raises questions about the value of authenticity and the impact of over-processing on the audience's perception. Playback and multi-track playback were used extensively in film sound production, allowing for greater control and flexibility in managing different audio elements. * The use of tempo lock and picture slipping process is crucial in maintaining synchronization and musicality in film sound production. * The blending of live singing, pre-records, and crowd recordings is essential for creating a seamless and immersive musical experience in film. * The use of sound design to score the movie and the exploration of the crossover point between sound and music are innovative approaches to film sound production. * The discussion highlights the importance of separating sound elements (music, crowd, and scene) and using them to create an atmospheric and immersive experience, especially in the context of Dolby Atmos. * The conversation also emphasizes the significance of giving actors confidence and the role of production sound mixers in getting more involved in pre-records. * The use of French ADR and the recording of ambient sounds for crowd scenes are practical techniques used in film sound production. Chapters * 00:00 The Art of Live Performances * 07:32 The Impact of AI on Authenticity * 35:12 Technical Considerations in Sound Production * 41:09 Tempo Lock and Picture Slipping Process * 47:11 Sound Design and Music Crossover in Film Production * 01:13:58 French ADR and Ambient Sound Recording for Crowd Scenes

Episode 7: with guest Sound Designer Johnnie Burn

Johnnie Burn, an Academy Award-winning sound designer, shares insights into his early days, collaborative approach with directors, and the impact of production sound quality on sound design. He discusses his unique workflow, thoughts on performance and how much he values on-set dialogue. The conversation delves into the impact of authentic sound, challenges of camera noise, the significance of time delays, and the benefits of 32-bit float recording. It also explores the collaboration between production sound mixers and sound post teams, the use of two booms for sound capture, and the challenges with Avid and 32-bit float. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing sound elements, simplifying sound for authenticity, and rebuilding 1970s vehicle sounds for a more immersive experience. Takeaways * Collaborative approach with directors * Impact of production sound quality on sound design Authentic sound enhances the viewer's experience * 32-bit float recording offers greater processing flexibility Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Johnnie Burn * 06:23 Influence of Directors on Sound Design * 13:29 Diverse Workflow and Feature Film Sound Post Workflow * 18:30 Unique Workflow and Creative Strategy * 26:33 Impact of Production Sound Quality on Sound Design * 32:43 Noise Reduction * 38:08 Debate on Noisy Cameras * 44:07 Simplifying Sound for Authenticity * 52:46 Benefits of 32-bit Float Recording

Episode 6: Sound Devices Astral System with guest Bea O'Sullivan

In this episode, Chris & Simon welcome their friend and colleague Production Sound Mixer Bea O'Sullivan for a deep dive into the intricacies of the Sound Devices Astral System, focusing on the ARX receiver and A20 transmitters. They discuss the necessity of onboard recording during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to digital RF systems, and the innovative workflows that have emerged. The conversation highlights the importance of remote control capabilities, battery management strategies, and the challenges of RF interference. Additionally, they explore the significance of bit depth and sample rates in audio quality, emphasizing the need to capture the dynamic range of performances in film production. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving role of sound professionals in ensuring authentic audio experiences.

Episode 5: A Dialogue Editors perspective with Tim Siddell

Chris & Simon welcome Dialogue Editor Tim Siddell onto this episode. The conversation covers the evolution of dialogue editing, the importance of recording offlines, phase alignment and workflow, the use of EQ and delays, microphone positioning and clothing rustle, sync and sinking challenges, and the benefits of using two booms for recording. Key takeaways include the shift to using both microphones, the importance of recording offlines, and the use of two booms for recording. The conversation delves into the challenges of ADR in filmmaking, emphasizing the difficulty of recreating on-set performances and the use of non-dialogue sounds to enhance storytelling. It also explores the importance of capturing breaths and efforts during fight scenes, the use of 32-bit float technology for sound recording, and the impact of restorative plugins and AI algorithms on dialogue intelligibility. Additionally, it discusses the impact of background noise on actor performances and the challenges in maintaining dialogue intelligibility. Takeaways * Shift to Using Both Microphones * Importance of Recording Offlines * Use of Two Booms for Recording ADR challenges * Use of 32-bit float technology Chapters * 00:00 Evolution of Dialogue Editing * 07:12 Phase Alignment and Workflow * 13:41 Microphone Positioning and Clothing Rustle * 22:28 Benefits of Two Booms * 31:09 Challenges of ADR in Filmmaking * 45:34 Restorative Plugins and AI Algorithms * 53:50 Impact of Noise on Performances

Episode 4: Picture Editorials perspective with guest Angus Munro

We welcome guest contributor Associate Editor & Post Production Supervisor Angus Munro onto this episode of the Sound Matters Podcast. The conversation delves into the integration between production sound and picture editing, emphasising the importance of a great production mix and its impact on post-production. It also explores the challenges in managing sound levels and continuity, as well as the significance of sound in different viewing environments, including theaters and home entertainment. The role of sound in film production, the impact of listening environments on sound quality, and the importance of sound in different viewing environments are also discussed. The conversation covers the importance of sync tests, the role of Digislates, considerations for shooting at 48 frames per second, and the use of 32-bit float files in Avid. Sync tests are crucial for sound mixers, and the use of Digislates is emphasised for accurate syncing. Shooting at 48 frames per second presents technical challenges, and the potential use of 32-bit float files in Avid is discussed. Takeaways * Importance of a great production mix * Challenges in managing sound levels and continuity * The significance of sound in different viewing environments Sync tests are crucial * Importance of using Digislates * Considerations for shooting at 48 frames per second * The use of 32-bit float files in Avid Chapters * 00:00 The Integration Between Production Sound and Picture Editing * 05:51 Managing Sound Levels and Continuity * 12:01 The Importance of Sound in Different Viewing Environments * 17:51 The Role of Sound in Film Production * 24:03 Listening Environments and Sound Quality * 30:04 The Significance of Sound in Different Viewing Environments * 36:07 The Role of Digislates * 59:47 The Use of 32-bit Float Files in Avid