Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Woll. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Downmixing is the process of taking a multi-channel mix, such as 5.1 surround sound or Dolby Atmos, and combining the channels for a two-channel presentation like stereo. It’s a term that is recognized in the audio industry but I also felt had it a ring to the layperson. My business, Downmix Post, shows a potential client that I am an audio focused vocation while giving a nod to a common industrial practice.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer within the film industry. This means I am responsible for the soundtrack of a feature film. My job is to ensure that anything audio related to the film is taken care of and that the director’s creative vision is upheld.

My job can require a number of “hats” and starts with the cleaning and editing of the on-set recorded dialogue. I then take those tracks and balance the relative levels of each actor to fit the scene and apply any effects that may be necessary to make the location they are in come to life.

I then add any required sound effects, this can include Foley which are sounds generated by the characters such as footsteps and prop handling sounds to what we call “hard SFX” which are things like vehicles to explosions as well as any background ambience that may be needed. Many of these sound effects are made bespoke using a mixture of recorded sound and synthesis. This is the sound design phase.

During this process, I will be working very closely with the music composer to incorporate their score into the film. Typically, they will send me individual tracks of every instrument in their piece which I’ll mix in context to the scene making sure we have an extremely dynamic and emotional experience for the audience.

Lastly, is the final mixing phase, my favorite phase, which is done in 5.1 or Dolby Atmos and involves bringing all these elements together, maintaining clear dialogue and making sure that that audience is hearing the director’s vision and that the emotion of the characters and story of the film has been translated.

The journey doesn’t end there however. The film isn’t finished until audiences start viewing it – so I will help the production in the mastering phase as well by creating the deliverables for film festivals, movie theaters and streaming networks. Each has its nuances in filetypes and specifications and I provide expertise in this as well.

Essentially, I am here to re-energize the project in its final stretch with fresh creative ideas and get it over the finish line and out to audiences!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My business is extremely word-of-mouth. My performance on one film directly affects my ability to get additional business down the line, which is why each and every project has to be the most important. This type of work is entirely trust based, a director is entrusting me with the creative feel of the film and that must be accomplished at a very high level. There is a great deal of trust that must be maintained between my clients and I. A recommendation from a director is one of the most valuable assets I can attain.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Because of the trust required between a supervising sound editor and a director or producer to complete a project, the relationship between us can be very close and dear. The job I do extends outside of the mix room and I make it my personal mission to continue to support the film long after its completion. I do this by attending any screenings or premiers, film festivals, panels etc, you name it, to show my support for the project and continue to foster the relationship we built during the work phase. Not only are these good networking opportunities but is a positive way I can show my clients that I am on their team and here for them and the project.

Contact Info:

• Website: downmixpost.com
• Instagram: @downmixpost

Image Credits
Downmix Post