When it comes to preparing sound effects for a mix, there are lots of ways to approach things; I don't claim this to be the end-all methodology. For this article, I'll be slanting discussion towards sound effects, regretfully leaving out music and dialogue. I'll be covering two avenues of mixing: traditional mixes and Icon mixes. OVERVIEW The art of mixing is the art of … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: The Sound Design of "Transformers" [Exclusive Interview]
Unfortunately, the Erik Aadahl Special is coming to the end. Here's the last interview I had with Erik, this time talking about the sound design on the two Transformers films. We talk about everything, from the initial aspects to the creation of the robots sounds, the mix, and more. Designing Sound: Let's start with the beginning... what were your initial thoughts about the … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Recording Sounds for "Transformers" and "Kung Fu Panda"
Here are some esxclusive videos of Erik Aadahl and his friends recording sounds for "Transformers" and "Kung Fu Panda". … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Working with Filmmakers
Different filmmakers work differently, with unique approaches to the sound design process. For some, there's intense interest and scrutiny, for others there might not be any interest until the end. I prefer having an actively engaged filmmaker. It makes it much easier to work together and evolve the track over time to make it right for everyone. It doesn't matter if I think … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: All About the Sound of "Transformers"
Transformers has been one of the most important titles for Erik Aadahl's career. As we are on his special, I take the opportunity to do a mashup of articles, interviews, and videos, trying to put all the info about Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen I found in the Internet, including also material from the rest of the crew on the mix, dialogue and foley. Also … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Conceptual Beginnings
Our job as sound designers is to be storytellers. Instead of words or pictures, we tell the story with sound. And it all starts with the script. Sometimes I'll get a script in advance of a job, sometimes not. Ideally, the screenwriter has worked sound into the very fabric of the script. Some of my favorite movie scenes of all time were written with sound as a central player. … [Read more...]
The Sound of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen"
New and great profile at SoundWorks Collection, this time for "Tranformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" Director Michael Bay returns for a second serving of robot mayhem in “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”. Also returning for another call of duty with Bay include the talents of his sound team including Sound Re-Recording Mixer Greg Russell, Supervising Sound Editor Erik … [Read more...]