Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound 2019

Directed by the renowned Hollywood sound editor Midge Costin, the highly praised and award-winning Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound takes viewers on a captivating journey behind the scenes of cinema. It uncovers the invisible power of sound and introduces us to the often-overlooked heroes who meticulously craft it. The film dives deep into the creative brilliance of sound designers and features insights from some of the film industry’s most iconic directors.

Making Waves powerfully illustrates how sound influences not just cinema, but also our everyday lives. Using a combination of film clips, interviews, and archival footage, it provides a nostalgic glimpse into some of Hollywood’s most significant box office successes. This documentary highlights the history, impact, and the unique creative processes involved in sound design, presenting it as an essential art form rather than merely a technical aspect.

Audiences are treated to personal anecdotes from legendary directors such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, David Lynch, Ang Lee, Sofia Coppola, and Ryan Coogler, who share mesmerizing stories about the impactful work their sound collaborators have accomplished.

In Making Waves, we also meet some of the industry’s most respected sound designers, including Oscar winners Walter Murch (known for Apocalypse Now), Ben Burtt](/actor/ben-burtt) (celebrated for Star Wars), Gary Rydstrom (recognized for Saving Private Ryan), and Lora Hirschberg (for Inception). Alongside Oscar nominees Cece Hall (from Top Gun), Anna Behlmer (who worked on Braveheart), and Bobbi Banks (notably from Selma), these artists demonstrate their relentless pursuit of innovation, showing how they have shaped sound into an immersive storytelling device in cinema today.

The film provides a platform to celebrate these unsung heroes who have long collaborated with key creative talents, illuminating the significance of their contributions within a realm that has often been relegated to the background. Under Costin’s direction, viewers gain an appreciation for the art of sound editing, as she herself has shattered barriers in the industry, having launched her career amidst a time when opportunities for women in sound editing were scarce. With a diverse portfolio including Oscar-nominated films like Crimson Tide and Armageddon, Costin’s legacy is intertwined with the evolution of sound in film.