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Team Deakins

WILLIE BURTON - Production Sound Mixer

Aug 7, 2024
Willie Burton is a distinguished production sound mixer known for his acclaimed work on 'Oppenheimer,' 'Love & Basketball,' and 'The Shawshank Redemption.' He shares the story of how a passion for audio sparked in his Alabama youth led him to Hollywood. Willie recounts the challenges of breaking into the sound union and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses the complexities of sound mixing in films and his efforts to mentor aspiring filmmakers through a workshop in Kansas City, highlighting the importance of education and community.
01:14:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Willie Burton's journey from Alabama to Hollywood highlights the importance of perseverance and the pivotal role of mentors in career advancement.
  • He emphasizes the need for strategic project selection, valuing quality film experiences over immediate financial returns to build a solid reputation.

Deep dives

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Growing up in Alabama, Willie Burton discovered his passion for audio at a young age while passing a local radio station. His curiosity led him to peek inside and witness a DJ manipulating sound, which sparked his interest in audio engineering. He enrolled in a high school program that allowed him to work in radio and television, where he honed his skills repairing electronics at just 15 years old. This pivotal experience laid the groundwork for his future career, as he realized the importance of higher education and technical training to succeed in the audio field.

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