The Next Best Picture Podcast Interview With "A House Of Dynamite" Editor Kirk Baxter & Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer Paul N.J. Ottosson
Oct 24, 2025
Join Academy Award winners Kirk Baxter, an esteemed film editor, and Paul N.J. Ottosson, a renowned sound designer, as they delve into their collaboration on A House of Dynamite. They share insights on the chaotic blend of overlapping dialogue and visual storytelling. Discover how they crafted powerful soundscapes by mixing real military sounds with thematic rumbles. The duo discusses the film's emotional impact and its provocative exploration of nuclear risks, revealing the creative tensions behind each scene.
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Director's Short Test Project
- Kathryn Bigelow tested Kirk Baxter on a three-minute Apple commercial before hiring him for the film.
- The short project served as a dress rehearsal to confirm taste and working compatibility.
Research Drives Authentic Sound
- Paul N.J. Ottosson read the script early to dive into realistic sound design choices before shooting started.
- He also consulted a three-star general to inform authentic military audio and procedural details.
Control Eye Travel Amid Chaos
- When editing multi-camera handheld scenes, concentrate on consistent eye travel to guide the viewer.
- Keep handheld energy but apply disciplined framing so viewers can track characters across locations.