Episode 197: Sound Design and AI w/ Sound Designer of Citizen Sleuth – Part 2

We’re picking up right where we left off from the last episode, talking about AI and how it relates to sound design with Nathan Ruyle.

Nathan Ruyle – IMDb

Nathans Company “This Is Sound Design” website:

This is Sound Design

00:12 – Right out the gate Christian, Jason and Nathan discuss AI vs. good live sound recordings. We discuss that “the tools are only as good as the material you’re feeding it.” There is no way around in achieving greatness unless you are investing in quality material.

03:30 – The AI discussion leads to asking about location sound and its challenges. Location sound is very different from sound design and final mix. Hear how Nathan unpacks these differences in reference to his movie “Citizen Sleuth”.

04:29 – Nathan shares how he used spectral tools to identify sounds in his documentary; yet due to use of camera audio and limited crew, there were still challenges in parsing them out. Even big budget films face audio challenges, which further highlights the nature of the industry.

07:42 – Nathan discusses how narrative and documentary filmmaking informs each other. In both narrative and documentary films, the use of Foley is essential to capturing the complete soundscape. Even with high-quality sound recording, certain details like footsteps or subtle moments may be missed. Therefore, techniques like Foley are crucial in both types of films to enhance the overall experience.

09:36 – Christian points out there is a difference between Foley and sound effects.

12:28 – History of Jack Foley & Foley experiences

16:32 – The legalities and clearance for the music

18:16 – Foley and music for the HBO Documentary called “United Skates”.

22:52 – Christian explains some terms, such as what are “stems”?

24:07 – Christian asks on behalf of new filmmakers who are still working in lower budget independent films. Do they have any ability to hire Nathan and his team at all? She asks him to give some sort of budget spectrum that they work on for all kinds of different films? And what does the look like in terms of rates.

Nathan gives an overview of what his team can provide. They have an ultra low budget rate sheet, where it kind of breaks down three budget options in great detail where you can see all the different parts of the process.

27:08 – Nathan’s company “This Is Sound Design” recently released “Joyland”.

IMDB: Joyland (2022) – IMDb

If you’re in LA or want to come to LA and need help for a movie, they would be more than happy to have you visit for a tour.

31:04 – DocuView Déjà Vu

Jason: “Citizen Sleuth” (2023), 23 mins, IMDB:

Citizen Sleuth (2023) – IMDb

Currently in the film festival run, check out the Instagram for film festival details. Keep an eye on Nathan’s website for an announcement as to when its going to be released to see for the public. https://www.instagram.com/citizensleuthmovie/

Christian: “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones” (2022), 99 mins, IMDB:

King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones (2022) – IMDb

This movie too, is in its festival run; so it can’t be watched, save for at film festivals.

Nathan: “United Skates” (2018), 89 mins, IMDB (Available on HBO Max):

United Skates (2018) – IMDb