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SoundStart: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Bigmouth Audio
Welcome to the SoundStart podcast (formerly The Creative Leaders). This is the show that focusses on conversations with creative people, doing creative things across the film, TV and games industries... with a particular focus on sound. Each episode we dive into the world of audio production with some of the world's leading Supervising Sound Editors, Re-Recording Mixers and Sound Designers. We also cover industry conversations with thought leaders, producers and creatives. Check us out at www.soundstart.studio
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- 1 weeks ago55 min
37 - The Sound of Backrooms
How do you create one of the most unsettling cinematic soundscapes in recent memory?In this episode, Stephen sits down with Supervising Sound Editor & Sound Designer Eugenio Battaglia and Production Sound Mixer Jan Hetmer to explore the making of Backrooms— the highly anticipated feature adaptation of Kane Parsons' internet phenomenon.From capturing production sound in impossible 360° shots to designing an oppressive sonic world built almost entirely from buzzing fluorescent lights, this conversation is a fascinating deep dive into how sound shapes fear, tension and atmosphere.Jan shares the unique challenges of recording production sound inside the endless, empty spaces of the Backrooms, while Eugenio reveals how stripping away traditional ambiences, embracing silence and building intensely detailed Foley helped create a world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling.Whether you're a filmmaker, sound professional or horror fan, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the year's most ambitious soundtracks.How Backrooms evolved from a YouTube phenomenon into a feature filmCapturing production sound with ultra-wide lenses and 360° camera movesUsing camera-mounted microphones to preserve perspective in impossible shotsWhy realistic room acoustics became a key part of the post-production processBuilding tension by removing sound instead of adding itThe role of silence, buzzing fluorescent lights and minimal ambiences in creating psychological horrorDesigning believable found-footage sound while maintaining cinematic impactCreating creature vocals that avoid familiar horror clichésWorldising audio using real CRT televisions and vintage equipmentThe importance of close-perspective Foley and subtle sonic detailCollaboration between production sound and post-production teamsPractical advice for aspiring production sound mixers and sound designersWhy relationships, curiosity and adaptability are just as important as technical skillOne of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is that great horror sound isn't about making everything louder—it's about knowing what to remove.Eugenio explains how reducing traditional background ambiences, focusing almost exclusively on the iconic fluorescent buzz, and allowing silence to create anticipation made the Backrooms feel unnervingly empty while keeping audiences constantly on edge.Jan discusses the importance of capturing as much authentic production sound as possible, even mounting microphones directly to cameras when boom operators couldn't physically appear in shot. Those recordings later became invaluable references for recreating the unique acoustics of the Backrooms during post-production.The episode also explores how respecting an established fanbase influenced creative decisions, balancing Kane Parsons' original online vision with the demands of a theatrical feature film.Eugenio Battaglia is an award-winning Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Designer whose recent credits include Longlegs and Backrooms. Known for his immersive, close-perspective sound design and richly detailed Foley work, Eugenio specialises in building atmospheric, story-driven soundscapes.Jan Hetmer is an acclaimed Production Sound Mixer with credits including The Monkey and Backrooms. Renowned for his technical ingenuity and collaborative approach on set, Jan has developed a reputation for capturing exceptional production dialogue in some of the industry's most demanding filming environments.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to The SoundStart Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a fellow filmmaker or sound professional.
- 4 weeks ago1h 18m
36 - Director Phil Claydon: Why Independent Filmmaking Has Never Been More Exciting
What does it really take to build a career as an independent filmmaker?This week I'm joined by writer and director Phil Claydon (Lesbian Vampire Killers, Alone, Within, Helloween) for a wide-ranging conversation about filmmaking, horror, storytelling and the changing landscape of independent cinema.From directing studio features to making a micro-budget horror film with little more than determination, a MacBook and a huge amount of perseverance, Phil shares an honest look at what it really takes to keep creating in one of the toughest industries in the world.We also explore why horror continues to launch exciting new filmmakers, whether the traditional distribution model still works for independent cinema, and why post-production and especially sound, is where films truly come to life.In this episode we discuss:Why there's never been a more exciting time to be an independent filmmakerThe success of films like Obsession and BackroomsBuilding a career through conversation rather than waiting for a "big break"The reality of directing Lesbian Vampire KillersMaking Helloween on a micro-budgetHow directors should think about post-productionWhy sound is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in filmmakingCreating atmosphere, tension and world-building through soundThe importance of film scores and sonic identityWhy horror remains one of the best genres for emerging filmmakersIf you're an independent filmmaker, writer, producer or anyone passionate about telling better stories, there's a huge amount to take away from this conversation.
- May 17, 20261h 4m
35 - The Sound of Hokum
In this episode, Stephen Scott speaks with supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer Steve Fanagan about his work on Hokum.They discuss:How Steve first became involved with the filmCollaborating with director Damian McCarthyBuilding the sound of the old rural hotelUsing subtle ambience, wind and creaks to create tensionWhy silence and restraint are so important in horrorRecording bespoke sounds for environments, objects and supernatural momentsDesigning the “gates of hell” sequenceThe relationship between sound design and mixingWhy cinema audiences are so important to horrorAdvice for emerging sound designers and mixersA detailed, craft-led conversation about atmosphere, performance, fear and the invisible work that makes a film feel alive.
- May 1, 202654 min
34 - The Sound of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
In this episode of SoundStart, Stephen sits down with members of the sound team behind Ready or Not 2: re-recording mixers Andrew Tay and Scott Hitchon, and supervising dialogue editor Mark Dejczak.The conversation explores how the team approached the sound of a fast, chaotic horror-comedy where there are almost no simple “talking heads” scenes. They discuss rescuing production dialogue, cutting around overlapping breaths and reactions, preserving production effects, blending Foley with real set sounds, and building ADR that feels seamless.They also dive into the film’s bigger sound moments, including the opening sequence, the ballroom fight, the industrial washing machine kill, the use of loop group, gore effects, Dolby Atmos mixing, and the pros and cons of working in large Pro Tools super sessions vs reels.A generous, technical and very practical conversation for anyone interested in dialogue editing, sound design, Foley, re-recording mixing and the realities of modern feature film sound post.Key topics covered:Dialogue editing in fast, chaotic action scenesWhy production effects matterBlending Foley with production soundADR for performance, breaths and reactionsLoop group for crowds and world-buildingCutting and mixing gore soundsDolby Atmos for movement, chaos and perspectiveMixing reel-by-reel versus super sessionsWorking with directors and picture editors on the dub stageWhy monitoring format matters when giving notes
- Jan 28, 202635 min
33 - The Sound of Marty Supreme
In this engaging conversation, Skip Lievsay and Paul Urmson, supervising sound editors and mixers, share their experiences working on the film 'Marty Supreme.' They discuss how their involvement began after their work on 'Uncut Gems,' highlighting the challenges and excitement of mixing sound for a film that demands a unique auditory experience. The duo explains their collaborative approach to sound editing, where one focuses on dialogue and the other on sound effects, ensuring a balanced and immersive soundscape. They emphasise the importance of adapting to the film's energy and the directors' vision, particularly in scenes that require a chaotic yet coherent sound design.The SoundStart podcast is brought to you by Bigmouth Audio - a creative sound studio specialising in voice production and audio post for storytellers. www.bigmouthaudio.com The SoundStart podcast is sponsored by Film Insider - Film Insider is the new film industry, where indie filmmakers are networking, collaborating and helping each other bring their projects to market. Join Film Insider here
- Jan 1, 202639 min
32 - The Sound of Nuremberg
In this episode of The Creative Leaders we are joined by Michael Babcock to talk about his work as the Supervising Sound Editor on Nuremberg. Thanks to our sponsor Film Insider - join over 150 indie filmmakers and crew who are networking, collaborating and helping each other bring their projects to market. Join the community here.
- Dec 9, 20251h 12m
31 - The Indie Film Revolution With Chris Hutchison
This conversation explores the evolving landscape of film production, particularly in the UK, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional media in engaging audiences who now prefer platforms like TikTok. Our guest, Hutch, emphasises the potential for indie filmmakers to thrive by adopting innovative marketing strategies that align with current audience behaviors.Welcome to The Creative Leaders Podcast brought to you by Bigmouth Audio and Film Insider. Film Insider is the online community for independent film professionals to network, collaborate and help bring their projects to market. Join us today: https://whop.com/checkout/plan_wO5Krf4YOrhad?a=bmasteve
- Nov 23, 202536 min
30 - The Sound of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
This week Stephen is joined on the podcast by Paul Massey (Re-recording Mixer) and Eric Norris (Supervising Sound Editor) on Scott Cooper's film, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. The Creative Leaders Podcast is brought to you by Bigmouth Audio - specialists in voice & audio post production for film, TV & Games.
About SoundStart
Welcome to the SoundStart podcast (formerly The Creative Leaders). This is the show that focusses on conversations with creative people, doing creative things across the film, TV and games industries... with a particular focus on sound. Each episode we dive into the world of audio production with some of the world's leading Supervising Sound Editors, Re-Recording Mixers and Sound Designers. We also cover industry conversations with thought leaders, producers and creatives. Check us out at www.soundstart.studio
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