SOUND EDIT, FOLEY + MIX FOR SHORT FILM: "THESE IMPERFECT GIFTS"

I recently put the finishing touches on sound edit, Foley, and mix for Oxford Comma Films’ short film “These Imperfect Gifts”, directed by Vanessa M.H. Powers-- a glimpse into the lives of a couple dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage. In the audio post process we felt our way through the alternating numbness, pain, and anger felt by the characters as they stumble toward a sense of reckoning. Powers and I agreed there was a need for focus on small, intimate sounds like the tap of fingers on cardboard, soft cloth friction, and creaking floorboards. We gave the film a sense of delicate dynamics that I hope allows for the interior spaces of the characters’ thoughts to resonate. Looking forward to seeing this head out on to the festival circuit!

More sound by Mike Hallenbeck for film

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THEATER PEOPLE SEASON FIVE PILOT

Screening this coming Saturday September 26th, as part of MN Web Fest: We recently wrapped audio post production on the pilot for Season Five of the Theater People web series. The episode features an original musical score, sound edit and mix by yours truly. Of note is a six and a half minute back story montage, which I scored with some rustic acoustic pop that morphs “Long Goodbye”-style into diegetic country music on a bar jukebox, contemporary R&B-flavored synth pop, lilting harp to accompany a scene from “Romeo and Juliet”, and eventually back into itself. Plus I got to edit and mix dialog by some of my favorite Minnesota actors, like Stacia Rice and John Middleton! There’s also a drum solo in this episode. Don’t be afraid.

More original music by Mike Hallenbeck for film

More sound edit and mix by Mike Hallenbeck for film

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BEN AND DOPEY: SOUND + MUSIC CONSULTING

Lately I’ve been serving as a sound and music consultant on the feature film “Ben and Dopey” by animator John Akre. It’s a lot of fun listening to the original songs John’s been writing and making arrangement recommendations, plus suggesting areas where his homespun sound effects work might come in handy. I’m enjoying helping an artist realize an aesthetic through sound and music, using his own visual sensibility as a style guide.

The film tells the 1987 story of a Minneapolis street musician and his relationship with an animated duck created by his mother, an underground animator who seems to have disappeared. The movie takes place in the neighborhood that used to be where the Minneapolis Convention Center is now, as well as the original Nicollet Mall.

More work by Mike Hallenbeck for animation

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