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.
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.
Burton is dedicated to educating future filmmakers through a new workshop in Kansas City, showcasing his commitment to mentorship and community involvement.
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.
Transitioning to the Film Industry
Despite having a stable job as an engineer in the Navy, Burton felt a strong urge to pursue a career in the film industry, leading him to apply persistently at Hollywood studios. His journey was fraught with challenges, including the necessity of joining a union that paradoxically required him to have prior job experience. After much perseverance, he managed to secure an entry-level position on a film set, where he learned the ropes of audio mixing and quickly proved his abilities. Notable mentors helped him navigate the early stages of his career, ultimately leading to his first job as a sound mixer.
Career Milestones and Major Projects
Burton's career took off when he received the opportunity to work on significant films such as 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Oppenheimer.' He emphasized the importance of selecting projects wisely, often prioritizing quality film experiences over immediate financial gain. His decision to work on 'The Shawshank Redemption' has been particularly rewarding, as it has remained a beloved film within the industry. Burton's extensive filmography reflects his strategic choices, building a reputation for excellence in sound mixing across decades.
Technical Challenges in Sound Mixing
Burton frequently encounters technical challenges while on location, particularly with managing environmental sounds such as wind and machinery. He elaborated on the intricacies of achieving quality audio recordings, often adapting strategies based on location factors like noise pollution and the limitations of equipment. In films like 'Oppenheimer,' he worked closely with the director to design sound strategies tailored to the unique settings of the film. This hands-on approach ensures that the audio captured is optimal while balancing the pressures of a fast-paced production environment.
Looking Toward the Future
As Burton considers transitioning from sound mixing to educational endeavors, he expressed excitement about the new workshop he is developing in Kansas City. The program aims to introduce students to various aspects of film production, allowing him to give back to the community by sharing his extensive knowledge. He is committed to providing aspiring filmmakers with insight and practical experience, preparing them for a successful career in the industry. Reflecting on his journey, Burton emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous learning, as he prepares to foster the next generation of talent in cinema.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 101 - WILLIE BURTON - PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, production sound mixer Willie Burton (OPPENHEIMER, LOVE & BASKETBALL, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) joins us to talk about his career and the world of audio. We learn how Willie’s love for all things audio began as a teenager in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and drove him to hitching a ride with a visiting minister out to California to pursue a higher education and deepen his knowledge in the field. After a string of odd-jobs and an engineering career in the sonar division of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Willie weathered years of rejection before gaining admittance into the sound union, becoming the first African-American in the local’s history, and finally began his long career in film and television. Throughout the episode, Willie remembers those who helped him advance in his career; among them fellow trailblazer Sidney Poitier, who gave Willie his first break sound mixing a feature on the Poitier-directed LET’S DO IT AGAIN. Willie later shares how he likes to prepare for a film, and we discuss some of the challenges Willie faced recording sound on OPPENHEIMER and TENET. Towards the end of our conversation, we ask Willie if he’s ready to hang it up, and we also learn about Willie’s involvement in a new educational program in Kansas City exposing young men and women to the world of filmmaking.
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This episode is sponsored by Aputure
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