My interest in sound started with music. I was a musician, for the age of 9, I've been playing various instruments. I was in high school and college bands. In college, we would make analog multitrack recordings. I think this was the germ of my professional sound career. While working in special effects on 12 Monkeys in 1994, I met sound mixer, Jay Meagher. We hit it off talking about gear, film sound, etc. Anyway, Jay was gracious enough to hire me on to his next several projects as a member of his production sound team. That was the beginning of my film sound career.
Despite my own beginning as a production sound person, I don’t believe it is necessary for editors to begin there. Yes, you would certainly gain a more nuanced perspective on editorial (particularly dialog) if you worked even one production gig. However, I don’t think the two disciplines are mutually required experiences.
Probably the most common question I am asked is “how does one become a successful sound professional?” The answer is “I don’t know.” Like most film jobs, there is no clear or direct path to employment, let alone success. This may be a little discouraging to hear. However, I firmly believe that hard work, a good attitude, and a team-oriented spirit will carry you a long way. That last point is especially important: be a team player. Be a collaborator.
The most important thing to remember in either voice creation or voice manipulation is that you are communicating with the Audience. A manipulated [voice] should either be intelligible or at least be able to convey a clear emotion. The same goes for a generated vocal, the important thing is emoting. Even if there is no clear language, the emotional intent needs to be clear.
[SPOILER ALERT] I have used Sound Particles a number of times in the past. In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, I used Sound Particles to help create electrical storm elements for Palpatine’s Force lightning. Also, when Palpatine is life-draining Rey and Ren, I used Sound Particles to help with the swirling “soul scream” torrent sounds draining from their bodies.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker is in theaters now, and the winners of the Academy Awards will be announced Sunday, February 9th.