Advice for Feature Film Sound Mix

[Seung Han]

Hey Guys,

We just finished editing my first feature film, and I'm about to go into the sound mix. I've never done a sound mix before for a feature film so any advice, specific or general, would be appreciated.

I am doing a spot check with the mixers next week, then ADR with the actors, followed by foley, efx, music mix, and room tones. Again, any and all advice is appreciated.

Also, if you know any good websites to learn about how to attain a quality sound for a film, please share the info!

Thanks!

- Seung

[Mark Allen]

Random advice

ADR - don't mic too close get an approximation of the real set. Best ADR I ever did actually was not in a studio, I went to a location that was similar and shot it all there.

MIXING - don't fool yourselves by mixing super loud - everything sounds good loud, keep it to a reasonable volume and check on TV speakers now and then to make sure you get a sense of what most people will really hear this thing at.

[Seung Han]

Thanks for the tips Mark. Your idea of finding similar locations sounds interesting, but I will be doing all the ADR in the studio.

You also have a good point about not fooling myself with the quality of sound in the studio. I will try to hear how it sounds in other settings during the mix.

To take the opposite approach of what Mark is suggesting, I was also wondering if there was any ideas or tips to approach a theater's surround sound system. Should I always be looking to cross fade elements or is it not good to go overboard?

Also, would be great to hear any tips on foley, sound exf's, room tone, etc... Things people like don't like in sound design. Sometimes I think sound can be even more powerful in eliciting emotions than the visuals. Should never be underestimated, right?

Thanks,

Seung

[Noah Kadner]

If you're working with pro sound folks- let them do their jobs. :) Just bring them donuts in the mornings.

Noah

[Joe G.]

Seung,

One thing I do feel obliged to say is that the dialogue should be loud compared to the explosions, gunshots, and music. I've heard numerous films where you have to keep turning up the volume just to hear the words, but then the music comes on WAY TOO LOUD. It really annoys the hell out of me, and is the sign of a crappy audio person.

I mean, somebody's responsible right?

As long as the dialogue and music are in the same ballpark, so one doesn't have to dive for the volume controller, I'm happy.

[Frank Weeks]

Random advice

MIXING - don't fool yourselves by mixing super loud - everything sounds good loud, keep it to a reasonable volume and check on TV speakers now and then to make sure you get a sense of what most people will really hear this thing at.

How true. Great advice

[Seung Han]

Thanks for the tips guys. I finished the first stage of the sound mix, the lead actors came in and did their ADR. I was a little nervous, but I got lucky with the cast, some famous Korean actors in my first feature, so they all knew what they were doing and everything went smoothly. I also realized what a great job my sound team did on location, there wasn't too much dialogue ADR needed, mostly breathing, sighs and reactions. I will also be sure to check the levels of dialogue when there is other efx or music when mixing, Joe.

I will be starting room tones and foley next week. It's so cool to see the film coming together in a polished way and finally getting near the finish line. This job is exhausting.

And Noah, I took your advice and got them a box of krispy kremes. Worked like a charm. Thanks.

Any more tips, advice, things you guys liked in other movies? Let me know!