IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit The Sound Design of David Lynch with his Studio Manager Dean Hurley
Jul 10, 2025
Dean Hurley, the studio manager and sound expert who's been David Lynch's right hand for years, dives into the enchanting world of sound design. He reveals how Lynch's unique creative process transforms sound into art, exploring its crucial role in works like 'Twin Peaks: The Return.' Hurley discusses the balance between analog and digital techniques, the blending of sound and emotion, and how spontaneous exploration leads to remarkable discoveries, making every auditory experience a vital part of the storytelling.
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Sound Triggers Lynch's Creativity
- David Lynch's painter-to-filmmaker moment was triggered by sound, specifically the wind, not just visual motion.
- Sound carries emotional triggers that inspire the creative process deeply for Lynch.
Power of Sound in Film
- Sound and music vibrations physically affect humans and carry emotions powerfully.
- Great filmmakers use sound to reach audience members viscerally, making it a key creative tool.
Lynch's Joy in Sound Play
- David would endlessly experiment with simple sounds like chair scratches to rediscover excitement.
- He treated sound exploration as magical, finding endless wonder in small discoveries.
