55th IFFI Presents 'The Art and Science of Sound in Film' with Nakul Kamte and Eric Hoehn

#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024

At the 55^th IFFI in Goa, acclaimed sound artists Nakul Kamte and Eric Hoehn shared insights on the art and science of sound design. Kamte, a two-time National Award winner, has revolutionized Indian cinema with films like Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai. Hoehn, a two-time Emmy winner, is known for The Queen's Gambit and Deepwater Horizon. Both experts shared their perspectives on sound technology, its role in storytelling, and the evolving landscape of sound design in the film industry.

The session opened with both Kamte and Hoehn reflecting on the evolving nature of sound design. Kamte shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities brought about by technological advancements, while Hoehn noted the essential role of the human element in sound creation.

The discussion explored the impact of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), on sound design. Hoehn remarked, "AI presents choices, but it does not make decisions or interpret the authenticity of performances-a key aspect of storytelling that remains inherently human." Kamte expanded on this idea, emphasizing the importance of human judgment in sound design.

The discussion also delved into the challenges sound designers face when balancing complex soundscapes. Hoehn explained, "The key lies in focus, ensuring that sound elements do not overwhelm the audience but instead guide them to what the filmmaker intends." Kamte highlighted the need for maintaining optimal loudness in cinema, stating, "Films today often exceed acceptable decibel levels, which can detract from the viewing experience."

The art of sound in horror films was also discussed, with Kamte stating, "A strong script can drive a film even in the absence of sound," and Hoehn adding, "A sparse soundscape allows the audience to immerse themselves more deeply in the story." Both experts agreed on the vital role that music and sound play in shaping the emotional tone of a film.

The conversation turned to the evolution of sound syncing with visuals, with Kamte tracing its development in Indian cinema, citing Lagaan as a pioneering example. He explained, "Sync sound requires immense discipline and careful location selection to minimize noise interference, but the results are unparalleled when it comes to capturing authentic performances."

The session also explored the differences in sound design practices between Hollywood and Indian cinema. Kamte highlighted how budget constraints in India often require sound designers to be more resourceful, contrasting this with the elaborate processes seen in films like Master and Commander. Hoehn noted that innovation often arises from working within such limitations, remarking, "Sometimes, the dramatic impact of a sound captured on an iPhone can surpass expectations."

Both experts emphasized the collaborative nature of sound design in filmmaking. Kamte shared, "Directors who provide detailed briefs or references enable sound designers to align their work more closely with the narrative," while Hoehn stressed, "The scenes that cannot fail are given utmost focus, ensuring sound aligns perfectly with the narrative."

As the session concluded, the experts reflected on the role of sound design in non-native films. Hoehn noted, "Even with subtitles, sound remains crucial in maintaining the emotional connection," while Kamte asserted that sound design should never be considered secondary to other filmmaking elements.

The session wrapped up with valuable advice for aspiring sound designers. Kamte recommended, "Start by observing and documenting standout sounds in films," while Hoehn encouraged practicing the replication of iconic sound designs to understand the nuances of the craft. Both experts agreed on the importance of building a personal sound library to refine one's skills.

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Supriya/Ashwani/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 58

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