We were lucky to catch up with Danika Wikke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I began learning post-production sound in college, where I developed a broad understanding of sound and filmmaking. However, when I graduated, I realized I knew a little about a lot—but not enough about any one thing to land a job. To build real-world skills, I enrolled in a year-long program focused specifically on post-production sound.

After completing the program, I applied for any job remotely related to audio. Fortunately, I landed a position at a post-production house for reality TV. That job became an incredible learning experience. I spent nearly a decade there, cutting in Pro Tools every day and sharpening my craft. I treated every show like it was my last—giving it everything I had and making the most of the opportunity.

When I eventually transitioned into scripted content, I brought that same mindset with me. I approach every project with full commitment and care. My goal is always to let my work speak for itself. I want both my craft and my attitude to leave a lasting impression—and, hopefully, open the door to the next opportunity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a young age, I was captivated by the creativity and storytelling of movies and television. That early fascination eventually led me to study Film and Television Arts in college, where I discovered a deep passion for sound. I was especially drawn to how audio could shape a story—whether through subtle enhancements or bold creative choices. Alongside my major, I also trained in script supervising, which sparked my interest in working with actors in ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)—a process I now view as a creative puzzle, combining technical precision with performance preservation.
My first job in the industry was as a sound editor at a post house specializing in unscripted television. There, I gained hands-on experience across the entire post-production process, from cutting dialogue and sound effects to editing music, mixing international segments, and addressing network QC notes. It was a foundational role that deepened my understanding of how every audio element fits into the larger storytelling framework.
Currently, as a Supervising Sound Editor, I lead the sound editorial process from start to finish. I collaborate with a team of dialogue, effects, Foley, and music editors to craft the final audio for each show. I also oversee ADR and loop group sessions—spotting scenes, cueing lines, working directly with actors, and ensuring performances are enhanced without losing authenticity.
Part of my role includes communicating with showrunners, producers, and picture editors to identify creative sound needs. I translate those conversations into detailed spotting notes and guide my team accordingly. Once each part is edited, I assemble and fine-tune our master session, prepping everything for the mix stage. There, I work closely with our re-recording mixers to ensure the final soundscape supports the director’s vision and meets the highest technical standards.
One piece of advice I often share: stay professional, be consistent in the quality of your work, and remain persistent. Relationships in this industry are built on trust and reliability—and your reputation often speaks louder than your résumé. You never know which project, person, or moment will lead to your next opportunity.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve always loved the movie and television industry—it felt like a dream to one day work in the field. As I got closer to making that dream a reality, I became drawn to the role of a script supervisor. The job had qualities that really appealed to me, and I believed I’d be good at it. I went through training and began working on small projects. However, I quickly realized that despite enjoying the work itself, the long hours and demanding days on set weren’t a good fit for me. It wasn’t something I saw myself pursuing long term.

While still in film school, I was introduced to post-production sound and discovered a new interest. I started learning Pro Tools, the industry-standard software for audio editing, and found myself enjoying it more and more. Interestingly, my experience in script supervising gave me useful insight into sound work, especially in terms of continuity and timing.

This journey taught me an important lesson: your first idea of a career path doesn’t have to be your final one. If you stay open, adaptable, and curious—if you keep learning and follow what genuinely interests you—you might end up somewhere unexpected, doing something you love and are great at.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a supervising sound editor is knowing that the work we do brings joy to people. I truly believe we have one of the most exciting and fulfilling jobs in the world—we get to help make movies and television. We’re able to be creative on a massive scale, contributing to stories that reach audiences in theaters and living rooms everywhere. Our work has the power to brighten someone’s day, spark emotion, stir up laughter or fear, or even become part of a lasting memory. That ability to touch people’s lives through sound—to enhance their experience and help shape how they feel or remember a moment—is what makes this job so meaningful to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikainthemix?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2531984/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk