Re-recording mixers used to be known as Dubbing Mixers bring all
the sounds and sound elements e.g. (Dialogue, Automated Dialogue Replacement,
Foley, Sound Effects, Atmospheres, and Music) together to create the film’s
final soundtrack they are solely in charge of the film being technically and
stylistically correct in the end.
Setting the volume levels is thought to be an art form in its own
right, sound strange. Until you imagine how many hundreds of thousands can
occur in some scenes, and the art is making it all seamless, realistic, and
drawing attention to what’s important and necessary. I require high level of
skill and experienced judgment from years of re-recording. In smaller budget
films re-recorders may be required to take on sound designer roles as well.
Re-recorders may be employed by a Audio Post Production House or
work on a freelance basis. You may be required to work extreamly long hours
under high pressure.
What is the job?
Re-recording Mixers
first appear on the work scene to prepare the soundtrack for audience previews.
This usually involves an intense period of up to three days work spent in a
dubbing studio working on large missing consoles, mixing, smoothing, mastering, finalizing As well as adding in temporary music prepared by the music editor,
recording mixers in short my work fast to a very high standard.
Re-Recording Mixers’ first task on films is usually mixing the
soundtrack for audience previews. Typically, this involves an intense period of
time (up to three days) spent in the dubbing studio, where the they work at
large mixing consoles, mixing and smoothing out (cross fading) the sound, often
adding a temporary music soundtrack prepared by the Music Editor. Re-Recording
Mixers must work quickly, to extremely high standards.
After the previews, the producer(s) and financers may usually
require films to be re-cut and re-mixed. At the same time the film will be
edited and when picture lock is achieved add the final touches until everything
is perfect.
In the Final Mix, the sound track is further refined in
consultation with the Director, and mixed to a 5.1 Surround Sound industry
standard. This process can take between 2 and 12 weeks depending on each film’s
scale and budget. Re-recording Mixers finish work on films on the last day of
the Final Mix.
Typical career routes
No matter how highly qualified you are to make become a
Re-recording Mixer you must start out as a runner and prove yourself.
Experiences Re-recording Mixers will look out individuals who show progress,
passion, talent and to train as an assistant.
Essential knowledge and skills
An extensive knowledge of acoustics, sound recording and post
production processes both acoustic and digital.
Key Skills include:
- Ability to manipulate and work sound for the moving image
- Excellent aural skills
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure
- Excellent communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work to strict deadlines
- Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Re-Recording Mixers are
usually graduates of Music, Sound Technology, or increasingly, Computer Sound
Design courses. Because this is a highly competitive area, many also go on to
specialise in Film and Television Sound at post-graduate level. Sound is one of
the best served areas for film and television training in the UK with provision
ranging from specialised short courses, to qualifications at HND, BA and post
graduate levels.
Individual course
accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of
Creative Skillset’s and the UK Film Council’s Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger
Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been
approved as centers of excellence in education and training for film. For more
information, please log onto the Creative Skillset website.
Payscale
states wages can range from £25,000 47,000. (http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Re_Recording_Mixer/Salary)
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