We were lucky to catch up with Anna Carolina Bastos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anna Carolina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started learning production sound mixing during my time in film school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My friend had a simple set up: two lavaliers that connected to her phone and a boom kit that connected to a Zoom recorder. It was a very DIY way of working, but it made the process feel accessible and fun!
After getting my bachelors in Film Production, I was accepted into the Media Scoring program at CUNY Brooklyn College. At the time, I was focused on making scores for short films, but being surrounded by productions again made me realize how much I missed working on set. I decided to take a chance and enrolled in sound related classes, including production sound, which shifted my path in a meaningful way.
One of the biggest advantages in my learning process was having access to professional equipment through the school. Every production I worked on had a full sound kit available, which allowed me to experiment in different locations, make mistakes, and build confidence in a professional environment. Those years of hands-on experience helped me develop quick thinking and problem-solving skills on set, understand set etiquette, and truly appreciate how much sound can shape a film’s emotional impact.
Looking back I think I could’ve sped up the learning process by seeking mentorship earlier and spending more time trying to build relationships with experienced production sound mixers on professional sets. Observing high-level workflows in real world environments accelerates learning in a way that classrooms can’t fully replicate.
The most essential skills I developed were communication on set, technical adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Production sound requires constant problem-solving, collaboration with multiple departments, and fast decision-making in unpredictable environments.
Fortunately, my learning path felt very open and supported. I had access to strong educational resources and opportunities that made the process smoother than many people experience. If anything, the main challenge was internal, with learning to trust my instincts, taking creative risks, and stepping confidently into professional spaces as I transitioned from student to working mixer.

Anna Carolina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a production sound mixer and sound designer based in New York, originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I began my journey in film school and later expanded my practice while studying Media Scoring at CUNY Brooklyn College, but ultimately found my way back to set, where sound became my main focus. Today, I work across films, documentaries, and other visual projects, providing on-set sound mixing as well as post-production sound design. My goal is always to deliver clean, immersive audio that supports the story and helps bring each project to life.
I help solve challenges like inconsistent dialogue, noisy environments, and audio continuity, often anticipating issues before they reach post. What sets me apart is my attention to detail, adaptability, and collaborative approach. I value clear communication and staying calm in fast-paced environments. I am most proud of building a career where I can contribute creatively while continuing to grow with every project. I want collaborators to know that I genuinely care about the work and the story, and that I’m committed to creating sound that feels intentional and emotionally impactful.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is being able to do what I genuinely love every day while building a name for myself in a field I’m passionate about. There’s something deeply satisfying about elevating a film through sound, whether on set as a production mixer or in post as a sound designer. Also, knowing that my work helps the story land in a more powerful, immersive way makes me happy and excited about my career. Beyond that, I love meeting and collaborating with other talented, like-minded creatives. I feel that every project is an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and be inspired by people who share the same drive and curiosity as me.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives often struggle to understand about a career like mine is the relationship with money. Many people choose paths based primarily on income, even if they don’t feel passionate about the work, and end up living a life that feels unfulfilling. For me, money is important, of course, but what matters most is feeling fulfilled and happy in what I do. Knowing that my work can move people, evoke emotions, and make them feel something meaningful is a special part of my job I’ll never take for granted. That sense of impact is far more valuable to me than any paycheck alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/acsbbx
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acsbbx
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acsbbx/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acsbbx
• Other: Portfolio – https://www.itsnova.com/acsbbx
  IMDb – https://www.imdb.com/pt/name/nm16215708/