Going into Pre Dubs 1st time HELP!!!!

[mmoeding]

So, I'm in an isteresting situation here. I have been in post production for a couple years. I have mixed a bunch of TV docudrama stuff for Disco. Animal Planet but never film. So I find myself moving from LA to south east Asia. I've somehow managed to get myself into the position of mixing a full length feature film on a decent stage and the pressure is on. I've been given dialog sessions for each reel, ADR for each, BG's and HFX together for each reel Foley sessions and Music. I do have to deliver an M&E for Mandarin dub. It seems to me that the PFX should stay in when I drop out the dialog for M&E so should they live in the FX stem and not the Dialog? Also just wondering what other people prefer for track layout. I was looking at the ADR and Dialog sessions and the tracks were just labeled ADR1, ADR2, etc. and same with the dialog. There are different characters on the same tracks. Is it too much for me to take it back to the editors and tell them I need the tracks laid out by character? Anyway I guess I'm not as worried about the FX, Foley, and music but any advise I can get here will be TRULY, TRULY appreciated and can hopefully help some others getting into film mixing without a mentor as well. THANKS.

[Big Andy]

First off, I am guessing you are in Cebu. Let me know if I'm right.

As far as pre dubs are concerned, I always start with Production dialogue, then match ADR followed by foley, hard FX and the BGs to fill and a little sprinkle of music on top.

IMO there is really no such thing as pre dubs when it comes to music and BGs, it's just mixing.

If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate at all to ask the editor to break out your ADR by character. Particularly in the Asian market where 50-100% of the movie is ADR. You should actually get two tracks for your ADR per character, one for close proxy and one for distant. That will help you set up quick eq changes for perspective... And if you're working on the film I think you are the director is very particular about spacial orientation.

Good luck and have fun!

[mmoeding]

Andy,

Yes I am in Cebu. I'm guessing you have been here before and worked on some films here as well. I was told that a guy named Andy may be coming out for the mix. If the film you are thinking of is one that has been MANY years in the making then you are correct. Its a bit of a cluster and we'll see how far I can make it. Any suggestions on the PFX? should I work with PFX as just production sound or should I also ask for a room fill track across the board? And does that go into the Dialog stem?

[Jesse Peterson]

I love this message board

good luck guys!

[Big Andy]

Just be sure you have nice long fades on either side of your PFX and you can probably get away with just that.

I would either stick your PFX in your foley stem or create a new LCR PFX stem. The ladder is safer but I'm not sure if they set up a second PTs record machine for you. You shouldn't need fill for the whole track, just make sure it's smooth in and smooth out. If it sounds good in the mix, you're set.

I've been hearing about the film you're on for around 4 years now. It's good to hear they are finally finishing up.

While you're out there try to make it out to Blue Water. It is hands down the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. When I was out there I was swimming with whale sharks, turtles, squid and some of the most beautiful fish I have ever seen! There are starfish the size of small cars in the water 40 ft out! And no waves either, just crystal clear water.

PM me if you need anything. That place was one of my first few full length films and it really kicked my arse, but I learnt more from trial by fire then I could have any other way.

[Jfriah]

It would just be a suggestion of mine to try to use your BGs as you're working on your DIA... no sense doing 'unnecessary tweaks' when BGs may be masking, or helping add 'glue', etc.

Good luck!


Jeff

[Big Andy]

PS: I don't think I'm going out there this time. I think you and Sonya are going to be doing the Mix. I have a few projects I'm supervising and mixing in LA right now. I wish I could be there with you!

[Big Andy]

Originally Posted by Jfriah

It would just be a suggestion of mine to try to use your BGs as you're working on your DIA... no sense doing 'unnecessary tweaks' when BGs may be masking, or helping add 'glue', etc.

Good luck!


Jeff

^true. I know you're in a time crunch too. So I give big ups to Jeff's comment here.