When I think about a TV show or movie, I think of the actors, the set, the costumes, the music, and how many episodes I binged last night. But the subtle thing I don’t often consider is how the sound plays into all of the above. Sound is a crucial element in keeping viewers engaged well past the intriguing cliffhanger and abandoning sleep for the next episode.
The production sound mixer is the person you never see but always hear, and Tigermoth happens to have one of these wizards on our team. When Westley Moore is not assisting Dave Wilson, director of videography, on video shoots, his job is to ensure he captures every sound a scene needs. In the case of his newest project, Apple TV’s Manhunt, this ranges from ensuring that the actors can be clearly heard to capturing the frantic runs, explosive gunshots, and many other aspects of a drama-filled historical event. Every detail paints a heightened scene while eliminating unwanted sounds, such as the disrupting AC system in a modern-day building. From ensuring the actor’s mic pack is always hidden to having the technical skill that enables a whisper to be heard a mile away, the sound mixer is a crucial part of any production, and there is never downtime for this role — because sound never stops.
When Westley isn’t busy on set in Atlanta, we have the privilege of working with him here at Tigermoth. Check out his next project, as well as many others, on his IMDb page. Also, watch the trailer for his latest project, Manhunt, on Apple TV.