Unexpected Turns
An indie short film made by students at Utah Valley University about a couple struggling to find their way in their growing relationship after a life-altering medical event.
Directed by Meghan Kirby
Produced by Joshua Rasmussen
What I Did
I recently had the privilege of heading the sound department for a 3-day production, serving in the dual capacity of Production Sound Mixer and Boom Operator. This role allowed me to demonstrate both my technical expertise and leadership abilities while delivering professional-grade audio for the project.
Overseeing Technical Operations
As department lead, I was responsible for managing a comprehensive audio setup that included three wireless systems alongside the boom mic. This technical configuration required careful planning and execution to ensure optimal sound capture throughout the production. My experience with various recording environments proved invaluable as I made strategic decisions about equipment deployment and signal routing to achieve high-quality results.
Hands-On Audio Direction
Strategic microphone placement was one of my primary focuses as I worked to position boom and lavalier mics for optimal dialogue capture while keeping them out of frame. This required constant communication with the camera department and a thorough understanding of shot composition and lighting considerations.
Real-Time Audio Management
Throughout the production, I performed real-time mixing and monitoring of all audio channels, making split-second adjustments to levels and gain settings as the shooting environment changed. This attentiveness to detail ensured consistent audio quality across diverse shooting locations and changing ambient conditions, providing clean tracks that would streamline the post-production process.
Team Coordination
Perhaps most importantly, my role required seamless coordination with the director, camera operators, and other crew members. By maintaining clear communication channels and anticipating the needs of other departments, I helped ensure that audio considerations were integrated into the production workflow rather than becoming obstacles. This collaborative approach contributed significantly to the overall efficiency of the shoot and the quality of the final product.
The experience reinforced my commitment to maintaining professional sound recording standards under varying production conditions and timelines. By combining technical precision with effective leadership, I delivered audio assets that will enhance the production's overall impact and quality.