The matter of good sound ...

During the last few years we more and more got the impression - although wrongly - that by help of technical possibilities location sound could easily be repaired in the post and therefore would no longer be this important. I say, only location sound that already goes with the rushes, will make a good final mix. For this result not only the sound recordist but also any other department will be responsible.

A bad sound unconsciously will confuse the audience and the film will lose its naturalness and credibility. Live sound is not meant to keep dubbing costs low but is an important dramatic tool in making films.

It is right, a good sound is a sound that will not be noticed by the audience during the film. But it is wrong, that a good sound crew is a sound crew that is not noticed during shooting. Being sound recordist, it is my job to find the balance between working discreetly and creating a good live sound.

Since 1995 I am mainly working with the boom man Fred Pietzner. We are a well-adjusted team and will hardly get worked up. Our strength is our experience in everyday or extreme shooting situations, a healthy mixture of restraint and self-assertion as well as an always friendly and competent contact with the crewmembers. In this way most tasks are solved before they will become a problem.

We do our job with as much discretion as possible and as much presence as necessary.

When shooting I am usually in close contact with the editorial department and will supply them with all necessary ambient and wild tracks. I am readily attending the sound mix  just to remain state-of-the-art and to exchange experiences with sound designer and my workmate at the final mix. A dubbing mixer can hardly live on my job, since even in difficult situations I mostly stick to live sound. I am not a magician, but I will have tested all technical possibilities first.

Our good mood is resulting from satisfied directors, editors, DPs, production managers and rerecording mixer. To all dubbing mixers we hereby do apologize.