Austin Olivia Kendrick, a seasoned Dialogue and ADR editor known for work on 'Barry' and 'Star Trek Discovery', and Mike James Gallagher, a talented sound designer behind 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story', join for a lively sound challenge. They engage in a hilarious guessing game filled with iconic movie sounds, nostalgic video game audio, and childhood memories. Listeners are treated to insights on sound design, playful anecdotes from Japan, and a quiz on classic sound effects that will make you smile and reminisce!
The Mystery Sound Challenge highlights the nostalgic power of familiar sounds and their ability to evoke personal memories among listeners.
The podcast explores the creativity involved in sound design, showcasing unique techniques that utilize natural sounds to generate emotional connections in media.
Deep dives
The Annual Mystery Sound Challenge
The episode features the 5th Annual Mystery Sound Challenge, a fun competition where three experienced sound professionals compete to identify various sound clips. Each sound carries a point value based on how many hints the contestants need to guess the answer correctly, with a maximum of three points for correct guesses without hints. The participants include dialogue editor Austin Olivia Kendrick, sound designer Mike James Gallagher, and video game sound designer Zachary Quarles, all of whom are well-known in their respective fields. As they navigate through each sound, the friendly banter among them adds to the engaging atmosphere of the competition.
Engaging Sound Clips and Their Origins
Throughout the challenge, the contestants hear clips that span a wide range of genres and contexts, providing a rich exploration of sound design. For example, one sound is identified as Slimer’s roar from the movie Ghostbusters, which features a unique sound created from a library recording. Another sound is recognized as the chime from Family Mart, a popular Japanese convenience store, composed in 1978 by Yasushi Inata. The episode illustrates how familiar sounds evoke nostalgia and memory, showcasing the contestants’ excitement as they connect the sounds to their personal experiences.
The Art of Sound Design
The podcast also delves into the intricate techniques and creativity involved in sound design, revealing behind-the-scenes insights. For instance, the contestants discuss the innovative use of animal recordings and other natural sounds in films, like the recordings of exotic birds used in Arrival to depict alien communication. They further explore the human element of sound, such as the voice of a nine-year-old boy who won a seagull screeching contest to create a unique sound effect. This not only highlights the artistic aspect of sound design but also emphasizes the diverse ways sounds can be generated and manipulated.
Celebrating the Joy of Sound
The episode culminates in a celebration of the joy and power of sound, demonstrating how it connects people and creates shared experiences. As the challenge progresses, the playful interactions between the contestants enhance the enjoyment, driving home the message that sound has the ability to evoke emotions and memories. The host encourages listeners to think about their own relationships with sound in daily life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the auditory world. Ultimately, the friendly competition and engaging discussions showcase the artistry and pleasure found in sound design.
For our fifth annual Mystery Sound Game Show, Dallas invited three friends from the world of professional audio to compete against each other. So crank up the volume and see how many sounds you can guess. Featuring Dialog & ADR Editor Austin Olivia Kendrick, Sound Designer Mike James Gallagher, and Sound Designer Zachary Quarles.
If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org.