Exploring Sonic Adolescence, Segment 3
In the world of filmmaking, producing a high-quality and authentic product is no easy feat, especially when it comes to capturing the complex soundscapes of adolescence. The production of Capturing The Sound of Adolescence Parts One and Two, a Netflix original series, managed to achieve this feat through the use of advanced audio equipment and strategic methods.
During the first week, the production was focused on director rehearsals with the actors and heads of departments. The second week was dedicated to the tech rehearsal, a crucial period where all the kit and crew were involved. This allowed for changes and learning the moves, ensuring a smooth production process.
The production team's attention to equipment selection was particularly noteworthy. They relied heavily on Wisycom wireless systems with MTP61 miniature bodypack transmitters, which have embedded recorders saving at 32-bit floating-point resolution. This allowed for a wide dynamic range without the need for constant gain adjustments, a critical factor considering the varying dialogue volume and background noise during the continuous take.
To maintain reliable coverage and audio capture without interruption, the production opted to employ a large amount of combined audio kit rather than renting equipment. Equipment was left behind and supplemented as the single-shot sequence progressed, a strategy that helped maintain audio quality despite the logistical challenges.
The production also relied on embedded timecode and advanced transmission technology to ensure synchronization and integrity of the sound recorded onsite. This enabled the sound team to quickly identify and address any rare issues, such as extreme loudness clipping.
The collaborative relationship between the production team and the camera department was another key factor in the success of Capturing The Sound of Adolescence. The camera department provided any information or solutions that could help the production, ensuring repeatable moves and avoiding equipment in shots.
The final scene of Adolescence was a source of great reward for the production team, as they pulled off a challenging scene perfectly. The scene, which shows Jamie's father crying and tucking Jamie's teddy bear into bed, was described as extraordinarily beautiful and brutal. It is emotionally impactful, causing tears in the production van, and indicates the cost of Jamie's actions for all the people around him.
The final line of Adolescence is delivered by Jamie's father, Eddie, who says, "I'm sorry, son. I should have done better." The production continued taping until the very last take on the very last day, even if a particular take felt like "the one." If something went wrong further in, the shoot kept going as it might work on screen.
The first two episodes of 'Capturing The Sound of Adolescence' had a three-week production schedule. By Thursday of tech rehearsal week, there were entire run-throughs, which were recorded and reviewed. Week two involved working through specific scenes to eliminate kinks and discussing problems collectively.
Director Edgar Coleman Entwistle felt emotionally affected by the final scene of Adolescence, indicating that it would likely affect viewers as well. The director and several executives from Netflix were present during the mixing of the final scene, ensuring the final product met their high standards.
This methodology is distinct from conventional production approaches where scenes are shot separately and equipment moved each time. The innovation and care applied to Capturing The Sound of Adolescence to capture authentic adolescent soundscapes seamlessly in a continuous take is truly commendable.
- During the mixing process of the final episode, Director Edgar Coleman Entwistle and Netflix executives oversaw the post-production to ensure the sound maintained the authentic feel of adolescence, critical to the series.
- The broadcasters could appreciate the quality of Capturing The Sound of Adolescence series, as it delivered a unique sound experience, thanks to the creative use of Wisycom wireless systems and strategic recording techniques, setting a new standard in entertainment and movies-and-tv production.
- As the production of Capturing The Sound of Adolescence moved into the broadcasting phase, the viewer could immerse themselves in the intricate soundscapes, thanks to the innovative mixing, strategic recording methods, and advanced audio equipment used during the filming process.
