We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qiao Hu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Qiao thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

One of the decisions my parents made that had the biggest impact on me was to support my education in the United States. I completed my undergraduate studies in China and began thinking about what I wanted to do after graduation during my junior year. With a passion for the film industry, I set my sights on California, the center of global film development. During a long overdue family conversation, I was honest about my aspirations. Contrary to the resistance I was expecting, my parents not only embraced my dream, but encouraged me to immerse myself in a new culture abroad. Their support was conditional on working hard to complete the application process, which included rigorous preparation such as language study and portfolio creation. In the end, I was successful in applying to my dream school (Chapman University), and my parents were thrilled with the outcome.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Qiao Hu, hailing from China and currently based in Orange County. I’m a second-year graduate student at Chapman Dodge College of Film, majoring in sound design and also delving into sound recording. It was quite serendipitous how I stumbled into this industry. As someone who enjoys staying home, watching movies, and playing games, my interest in sound sparked during an undergraduate sound design class. I was captivated when the teacher showcased a Foley video of the game Monster Hunter, revealing how fascinating sound could be.

This fascination led me to work in a recording studio, handling recording and mixing for singers and engaging in audio book post-production. Eager to elevate my skills, I decided to pursue graduate studies in the United States, applying to eight schools with diverse sound design programs. Choosing Chapman, I entered a new realm aligning with Hollywood’s film industry philosophy, allowing early industry exposure.

Now, I specialize in simultaneous recording and post-production sound design. I bring my recording gear to sets, capturing a variety of sounds for post-production. In the studio, I process dialogue , add diverse sound effects, and fine-tune the mix. What sets me apart is my fearlessness in making mistakes and embracing failure, allowing me to experiment extensively in post-production until I achieve utmost satisfaction—a unique strength.

Having contributed to dozens of short films in the U.S., I recently took pride in the success of “Mel,” a romantic short film I recorded and designed sound for, winning awards at the Independent Shorts Awards. The film explores love blossoming through computerized matchmaking, incorporating intriguing sci-fi elements. Collaborating with the director, we engaged in extensive discussions and experiments in the mixing room, culminating in a highly satisfying result. It’s a project where I poured my heart and soul, and its success fills me with immense pride.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being a sound professional has enriched my life by honing my ability to perceive the intricacies of sound. When I attend a movie, my focus extends beyond the storyline; I find myself captivated by the meticulous sound design and direction. I keenly identify the nuances, discerning which stereo channels deliver specific sounds and where they’re directed – an endlessly fascinating aspect of my work.

Moreover, this heightened awareness extends to my everyday experiences. Whether at the beach, where I immerse myself in the rhythmic symphony of waves, sea breeze, seabirds, and human activities, or in the bustling city, where I attune my ears to the dynamic interplay of cars, pedestrians, and the distant wail of police sirens, I like to bring a portable recorder with me to record what I hear, just as a photographer captures images, I record these auditory landscapes, knowing they may find a place in the films where I contribute to sound design. It’s these elements that truly make my journey in sound design immensely fulfilling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a sound designer, my ultimate goal is to evoke a profound emotional experience for the audience through the power of sound when they’re immersed in a movie. I aim to weave stories using sound as my creative palette. I firmly believe that sound isn’t just an accompaniment to visuals but a potent medium capable of independently conveying emotions and narratives. By delving into diverse sound details and effects, my objective is to craft a rich and immersive encounter for viewers, enabling them to connect more deeply with the cinematic experience.

Looking ahead, I envision establishing a solid reputation within the industry. I’m eager to diversify my portfolio by working on a variety of projects, spanning film, games, and virtual reality, to gain a comprehensive understanding of sound design across different media. Simultaneously, I’m committed to honing my leadership and teamwork skills. I aspire to take on more pivotal roles in projects, potentially leading the sound design team and ensuring a seamless sound production process. This involves close collaboration with directors, producers, and other creative minds to bring their sound vision to life.

I’m keen on being part of thrilling projects that push me to be innovative. I firmly believe that through a process of trial and error, I’ll uncover the sound design solutions that resonate most with me. My journey is fueled by a passion for creating impactful auditory experiences and a commitment to evolving within the dynamic landscape of sound design.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: victorhu666

Image Credits
These are pictures of me at work as a production sound mixer and boom operator respectively.