Where are you currently employed?
Wildfire Studios.
Current Project?
21 and Over.
Describe Your Job.
I work with the filmmakers to help realize their vision and help tell the story from a sonic perspective. I edit everything from sound effects and design to dialogue and ADR. It really depends on the film.
When I'm editing sound effects and design, I select and edit sounds that fill out the world of the film — from the objective sounds to the subjective sounds that enhance the moment, mood and emotion. When editing dialogue and ADR, I'm more analytical in my approach. I look for the best mics and smooth out the dialogue to achieve clarity.
It is really great when we get to work alongside editorial, providing effects and cleaning up the dialogue as the film takes shape. The instant feedback I get about different ideas is invaluable.
How did you first become interested in this line of work?
I took a film production class during my senior year of high school and a ProTools 2.0 system showed up one day. I was completely fascinated with the system and I was the only student at the time who really sat down with it and started exploring the possibilities.
Who gave you your first break?
I met Kerry Carmean Williams and she let me sit in with her while she was working on Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Through that relationship, I met Dave McMoyler, who gave me an opportunity to help with the conforms on Flight Plan at Soundelux.
What was your first union job?
Flight Plan.
Which of your credits or projects have made you the most proud and why?
I'm proud of all the projects I have worked on. However, The Messenger, directed by Oren Moverman, is a personal favorite. The material was so compelling, the performances were incredibly moving, and it was a story that needed to be told.
What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
I was lucky enough to co-supervise Immortals last year with Paul Timothy Carden. It was an incredibly challenging film. We inherited the film and were immediately presented with the challenge of maintaining the integrity of the work that had been done up to that point while making it our own. We assembled a small crew to start sifting through all the material, to see what we could still use and to start creating new elements. In the process of all this, we were chasing version after version. It was a monumental task keeping track of all the elements. But in the end it sounded great — thanks to everyone at Wildfire.
What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
I have fun every day at work. I make noise for a living.
Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
In five years, I want to be supervising more films and starting to do some mixing. Not too many people can say they are doing what they set out to do. I'm doing just that.
What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
I like to work on our house in the valley and to spend time with my wife and our dog, Strawberry. In addition to that, I was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture Sound Editors.
Favorite movie(s)? Why?
Raging Bull, Barton Fink and Do the Right Thing were the three films I saw back to back in high school. I had never seen anything like them at the time and they ultimately sparked my interest in film. However, I do have some guilty pleasures. Disney makes sports films like no one else: Remember the Titians, Miracle and, of course, Rudy. Currently, I'm really impressed with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The sound work was phenomenal.
Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
I really like Southland. It's so gritty. I can't stop watching. And Revenge — because my wife is working on it.
Do you have an industry mentor?
I learn from all my co-workers but I would say re-recording mixers Leslie Shatz and Chris David are mentors. They continually challenge me to grow as a sound editor.
What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
You will work long hours, sometimes on your own time to refine your craft. Meet everyone you can, because if they don't know you, like you and trust you, they will rarely hire you.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
Keep up the good work. I like watching all the great projects you're creating. I'm inspired by all of you.
Compiled by Edward Landler
Editor’s Note: To recommend a member (including yourself) to be featured on the home page of the Editors Guild website contact edlandler@roadrunner.com.