Sony Pictures Post Production Services has completed a major upgrade of its Foley department, adding new, state-of-the-art recording technology to its control room and stage where sound effects for scores of studio features, including the current hit Spider-Man: Homecoming, have been produced.
Key additions include an Avid S6 M40 control surface, the most advanced recording and mixing console available. It is supported by an Avid Pro Tools HDX digital audio workstation and Pueblo microphone preamps, as well as processing gear, plug-ins and playback systems. The control room and stage have also been rewired and fitted with new speakers and microphones.
The upgrades allow the Foley team of Foley artist Gary Hecker and Foley mixer Randy Singer to work more efficiently and perform sophisticated editing and mixing functions. “The films we work on demand the highest quality in sound,” said Hecker. “This new technology ensures our ability to deliver the best performances and recordings for all clients.” Sony Pictures Post Production Services’ Foley department has created sound effects for nearly a dozen films over the past several months, including The Fate of the Furious, Justice League, The Dark Tower, The Emoji Movie and Jumanji.
While adding the new digital recording technology, Sony Pictures engineers were careful to retain the ambiance and warmth that has made the studio’s Foley stage popular among sound artists and filmmakers. “It took a lot of finessing to preserve the analog sound of the stage and ensure that its sonic environment was perfectly aligned with the sound in the control room,” explained lead engineer Nathan Oishi. “You can use computer models to place speakers, but, occasionally, it comes down to science by human ear.”
Hecker notes that the improved workspace is already drawing enthusiastic reviews. “Clients have noticed a significant difference; they say the sound is clean and full-bodied,” said Hecker. “It is exciting to raise the bar of quality and provide the best in sound to the filmmakers who work with us at Sony Pictures Post Production Services.”
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More