I have had the pleasure of being able to achieve a few things in life. Some good, some even great! However, it's the person whom you spend that time with for those moments in which to celebrate, that's most important. I am so happy that we decided to finally "tie the knot", last weekend (26SEP20). It was a very intimate setting and we enjoyed everything. Our parents and guests, vendors, the venue staff were absolutely amazing. Now, why would I post this in a blog that some might consider all about audio or some aspects of? Well, I could present my thoughts of the wireless lavs that the officiant and I wore, during the ceremony. I could also blog about the experience with hiring professionals, such as the DJ and the photographer/videographer, for the event. But I have decided against it because I want you (the reader) to know that I am human. I do have feelings and emotions. I do get tired and at times hungry. I love the color grey, and the Seattle Seahawks is my favorite team. And although I love the world of audio, I am human. Clearly, I wanted to simply share a milestone. A part of me. Thanks for your time.
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Back in May (2020), I was contacted by Jody Michelle Solis, who happens to be an Associate Publisher of StudentFilmmakers magazine. Simply enough, she was reaching out for a simple Q&A which I was quite honored to be a part of. I have never actually been featured in any interest-piece, editorial, much less a magazine. So I was very happy with opening myself up to take part and share my thoughts on sound editing and design. I even received a complimentary copy, for my participation. The magazine contains a great deal of valueable information and features other professionals in the filmmaking world as well. Although the magazine is titled StudentFilmmakers, it surpasses many expectations of the material within. Very professional.
I would like to say thanks to Ms. Solis, the many collaborators, and contributors to the StudentFilmmakers magazine. I really like the work that you do. The magazine looks great and I again was very pleased to be a part of it as well. Visit StudentFilmmakers Magazine, www.studentfilmmakers.com to view the Q&A ( 2020 Volume 15, No. 2).
For the past few years, I have enjoyed listening to and discovering a great deal of podcasts. Some I continue to indulge in on a weekly basis, and others I may give a try and later dismiss due to the fact that the material wasn't relatable to me in any way. The podcasts that I enjoy are those that are of audio professionals and then there are those that are interesting because it consists of average everyday life experiences. Well here's what is on my weekly podcast menu: "The Production Expert podcast", The Location Sound podcast", "WCA podcast", "Tonebenders podcast", and last but not least, "The Casey Crew podcast". The Casey Crew podcast is definitely a show that dives into the life/relationship and of current events, hosted by DJ Envy (co-host of the Breakfast Club, Power 105, NY) and wife, Gia Casey. It was this podcast however that sparked the idea, to develop my own. So I am proud to announce that coming soon, I will bring forth my new podcast. I am currently in the planning stages. I can't wait. Stay tuned. Not sure what the answer is in this world we live in today. I'm just feeling very unsure about the future of mankind. Or simply any man (or woman) simply being kind to one another. What happened to yesterday? The time when you could simply drive to the supermarket and not be in fear of one another, no matter your race or ethnicity? The days when replying, "Yes ma'am", or "No sir," was not just a response in court or the peacekeeping (air quotes) officer, but also to our elders, no matter your race or ethnicity? What happened to the moments when we could count on each other in times of distress? I'm not sure if I could handle another video of the actions of public servants that kill on camera or the immature behavior of frightful citizens that utilize the Emergency (911) Phone number, to report that citizens are entering their residence, or enjoying a cook-out, or "checking their eyelids for cracks", while studying in a library, sitting in a public area of a hotel, in which the patron has a room, driving on a public highway, standing on the sidewalk, breathing in public, jogging in public. This is so sad. It really is. You know about a month ago, I almost felt that WE were all beginning to regain the fear as we did on September 11th, 2001. I say that for the simple fact, that the effects of COVID-19 had everyone in the world at attention. It alone transcended race, culture, social-economic class, etc...Jordans, Gucci, Bentley automobile, cash, real estate, etc.. was a lot less important. Toilet paper, Lysol wipes, alcohol, as well as your family's well being was the top priority. SMH...Just something to think about!
Throughout this pandemic, which has kept the vast population including me in total isolation, I have found a large amount of my time working through a one-man's (or woman's) approach towards audio post-production in film. The idea was to locate a favorite movie clip. Remove all original audio, and re-build my very own sounds to coincide with what is on screen. At first, I thought that this would be a "piece of cake". But as I became more involved, there were a few challenges. None that I will publically announce, but let's just say that I learned a thing or few! I've had early mornings and several late nights sessions to bring this to life. I really found what I love and it is definitely editing sound for film. The material has not been edited for younger audiences. However, it does display my efforts to bring much of the dialogue tracks close as possible to the original movie. You are welcome to comment. Enjoy. Just as many of us that are either quarantined / social distancing or simply doing their part in limiting this virus (COVID 19), the number one preventive measure I find to do every day ( besides pray) would be staying inside mostly and wash and sanitize your hands often. Stay safe everyone! Since I've been doing my share by staying off the highways and byways, I have devoted a great deal of my time to stay busy with working on self-provided projects to increase my knowledge in the world of audio post-production. I've decided to take a clip from one of my favorite movies and strip away the sound and re-build it with my own. It has been both challenging and fun, to say the least. Challenging in spite of everything that's going on in my life, and in the world. But creating has always been fun. I've decided to share a few images, from capturing sounds in my kitchen. I had to bring my smaller Pro Tools rig in to accomplish this task, not to mention an acoustic panel to attempt to quiet the refrigerator's compressor or freezer noise. In any case, it seemed to work just fine. I will share the finished project as soon as I'm done with the hopes that I may receive your honest opinions. Meantime, thanks for stopping by and again stay safe! ![]() I can still remember the moment that I fell in love with what I later learned was described as "sound design". It all began while watching the movie, "Dead Presidents." A movie released in1995, that tells the story of Anthony Curtis, a Marine Veteran, who returns home after the Vietnam war. As he struggles to find stable work, he eventually recruits several former veterans to organize a heist of an armored car. Now I'm sure by now, I spoiled the movie if you have yet to view it, but hey...it's still what I consider a classic. So check it out anyways. During the heist on the loading dock, one of the security guards drops their gun. The sound of the handgun hitting the deck of the dock, sound so real! I was instantly in love with whatever that was. What I mean is the realism of that one scene and effect or foley, later I learned the terminology, that I wanted to know what it was and how could I myself learn to create that. I have to say that, the Directors Albert and Allen Hughes, notably known as the Hughes Brothers did an outstanding job in this creating this film. It wasn't until just recently I discovered that the Sound Effects Editor on this film, was the one and only, David Farmer. No wonder. |
AuthorBeing an introvert, I find it very difficult at times to display true self and/or my thoughts. So I've decided to record them here digitally for those who may find them to be of use or to whom could merely relate. Simply put, this platform shall allow you to catch a glimpse of all there is to my life, my brand, and what I feel is important. Archives
September 2020
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