by Steve Morrow CAS
As the Production Sound Mixer for the seven-time nominated Academy Award film Maestro, my team and I faced the challenge of capturing live orchestral performances while ensuring authenticity and excellence. Building on our success with live music in A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper and I were committed to delivering a captivating auditory experience for audiences.
Collaborating with Classic Sound, known for their expertise with orchestral recordings, we ensured that every note from the London Symphony Orchestra at the Ely Cathedral was captured with clarity and precision. Utilizing Dolby Atmos technology, we aimed to immerse the audience in the heart of the orchestra, allowing them to experience the film as if they were the conductor themselves.
Recording live orchestras presented its own set of challenges, but meticulous planning and dedication paid off, resulting in a truly immersive auditory experience. We employed a staggering sixty-two microphones to cover the orchestra, ensuring that every nuance and detail of the performance was captured with unparalleled fidelity.
One standout aspect of the film was the emphasis on authentic and naturalistic dialog, particularly during overlapping conversations. It was Bradley Cooper’s goal to have actors speak in a way that mirrored real-life interactions, where overlapping dialog is commonplace. Achieving this required careful coordination and technical finesse to ensure that every word was audible, and every emotion conveyed, without sacrificing realism.
Behind the scenes, my team worked tirelessly to ensure that the overlapping dialog sounded authentic and clean, reflecting the way people naturally communicate. We wanted to avoid trapping the actors in the standard movie practice of waiting and then delivering lines, instead, encouraging them to engage in spontaneous and fluid conversations.
Filming on location in iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center added an extra layer of authenticity to the film. Despite the challenges of working in historic locations, we approached each filming location with respect and meticulous attention to detail.
Throughout the production process, Bradley Cooper’s collaborative approach to directing fostered a positive and inclusive atmosphere on set. By valuing the input and ideas of the entire team, he created a sense of unity and camaraderie that permeated every aspect of the filmmaking process.
In the end, Maestro is not just a film—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and creativity. From capturing live orchestral performances to filming on location in historic venues, every aspect of the production was guided by a commitment to authenticity and excellence.
As I reflect on our experience, I acknowledge the challenges faced along the way but also celebrate the contributions of my team and the sense of camaraderie that defined the Maestro production. In the end, it’s not just about making a movie—it’s about creating an immersive cinematic experience that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.