SOUND EDIT, FOLEY + MIX FOR SHORT FILM: "THESE IMPERFECT GIFTS"

I recently put the finishing touches on sound edit, Foley, and mix for Oxford Comma Films’ short film “These Imperfect Gifts”, directed by Vanessa M.H. Powers-- a glimpse into the lives of a couple dealing with the aftermath of a miscarriage. In the audio post process we felt our way through the alternating numbness, pain, and anger felt by the characters as they stumble toward a sense of reckoning. Powers and I agreed there was a need for focus on small, intimate sounds like the tap of fingers on cardboard, soft cloth friction, and creaking floorboards. We gave the film a sense of delicate dynamics that I hope allows for the interior spaces of the characters’ thoughts to resonate. Looking forward to seeing this head out on to the festival circuit!

More sound by Mike Hallenbeck for film

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ORIGNAL MUSICAL SCORE FOR DOCUMENTARY: "UGANDA GOLD" INTRO

Above: An excerpt from the intro to the short documentary “Uganda Gold”, directed by JD O’Brien, showcasing my original musical score for the film. In a country where 30% of the population doesn’t have access to clean water, drilling a sustainable well is like striking gold. “Uganda Gold” tells the story of Ugandans’ struggle to fulfill this basic need for their community.

JUNIOR BIRDMAN AUDIO AT THE 2020 MINNEAPOLIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

As one might expect, the 2020 Minneapolis-St Paul International Film Festival has gone online in a streaming format This year. Which I’m happy to see, because it’s always been a fest where I’ve found some pleasing viewing. It’d be sad to see it succumb.

So I’m proud that my original music, sound edit and mix are available for your viewing and listening pleasure as part of the festival in support of Djinni Productions’ Happily Married After, directed by Alison Guessou.

Festure documentaries I’ve enjoyed include The Seer and the Unseen, about an Icelandic woman who campaigns to stop the construction of a road she believes will destroy the fossilized lava homes of elves in the area; I Am Not Alone, a profile of Armenian politician Nikol Pashinyan and his role in the 2018 non-violent Armenian revolution— excellent viewing for anyone with an interest in deposing a tyrant; and the somewhat self-explanatory Hip Hop in Ojibwe Country, which I thought was pretty great. I also enjoyed the short docs The Weapon You Choose, Bayt Jadeed: Seeking Home, and Narco Tumbas.

Support independent film!

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