09/27/2017
Learn more about the sound behind "The Golden Apple" in a write up between production mixer Madison McGaughy and boom op Mike Mazzuca!
Website: mad4sound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mad4soundlll/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mad4soundlll
The Golden Apple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoldenAppleShortFilm/
And now for another Crew Highlight! Silent movies are soooo 1926, so we needed a kick ass sound team to capture our audio for this adventure. We found said awesome team in our two subjects today, production sound mixer Madison McGaughy and boom operator Michael Mazzuca!
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DECIDE YOU WANTED TO MAKE FILMS?
Madison: When I was in the 7th grade I got hooked on Pixar's "The Incredibles". After two weeks of daily viewings, my mom begged me to watch something else - so I decided to watch the DVD commentary and bonus features instead. I was so entranced with the work of Brad Bird and his team, I knew I had to work in film. Within a week I decided my dream could only be achieved by attending USC School of Cinematic Arts - which is where I received my bachelors degree a decade later.
Michael: I made videos with my cousins and siblings growing up that led to me writing my own family films, and that led me toward films. I always liked watching the behind the scenes material featured on DVD sets. However, when I went to college, I didn't study film. Following college, I decided between pursuing a career in sports journalism/public relations or filmmaking. I chose the latter, which has led me to work on a variety of projects.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE FILMMAKERS/FAVORITE FILMS?
Madison: Pixar will always hold a soft spot in my heart, especially the work of Brad Bird. I also adore the work of Miyazaki and the team at Studio Ghibli. Outside the realm of animation, I'm a massive fan of classic films. Billy Wilder has long been one of my favorite directors (he is my cat's namesake) with "Some Like it Hot" being one of the best scripts I've ever read. I'm also very proud to be a member of the International Buster Keaton Society, a club dedicated to the appreciation of the work of silent screen master Buster Keaton, (a somewhat ironic favorite for a production sound mixer to have).
Michael: I don't have any favorite filmmakers because there are so many out there. My favorite live-action films are the Lord of The Rings films, Star Wars films, and many dispersed throughout the horror, drama, and romantic comedy categories. If there is a good movie on tv, I am a sucker who will sand there to finish the scene...and the next scene...and the next scene.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE, CAREER-WISE, IN 10 YEARS?
Madison: I'd like to see myself in the union working on studio features. Eventually I would like to own a brick-and-mortar sound house dedicated to the recording and enhancing of sound for film and television from production to post.
Michael: Managing projects at a production company that includes trailers, short films, and big budget films. I have an interest in music videos. Collaborating with friends and assessing projects on our own basis as well as creating content for big-name distributors like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, or cable television would be sweet.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACED IN HELPING BRING THIS FILM TO LIFE?
Madison: From a sound perspective, wind was a problem. We had closing in on 30mph winds throughout a good portion of the filming which can be difficult on the mics.
Michael: The weather was the toughest obstacle. Madison, the sound mixer, was a consummate professional. She has worked in hot climates before. She gave me pointers and helped me stay cool in the heat. She was the greatest partner in crime anyone could ask for.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF, IN REGARDS TO YOUR WORK ON THIS FILM?
Madison: This was my first time working on set with horses, so figuring out a way to capture clean audio around them while remaining safe was a fun challenge to tackle.
Michael: Having the opportunity to work with amazing filmmakers and support a friend's vision. (Terence's note: D'aww, thank you Mike!)
WHAT ABOUT THE FINISHED FILM ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING?
Madison: I'm looking forward to listening to the film as a whole. I want to hear how the dialogue came out, and I'm curious to see what post sound will add to the project to enhance the world and bring everything to life.
Michael: Everything. I honestly really look forward to seeing this film come alive when it's completed.
WHERE ELSE CAN WE FIND YOU?
Madison: You can find my work on my website mad4sound.com. You can also check out my professional page https://www.facebook.com/mad4soundlll/
Michael: IMDB
Instagram: michaeljmazzuca
I'm developing my website.
