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Oscar Nominee: Capturing F1's Sonic Fury
11 Feb
Summary
- Sound editor braved the track to capture authentic F1 car sounds.
- Tiny microphones were placed on F1 cars after weighing them.
- Lewis Hamilton aided in gaining access for sound recording.
Oscar-nominated sound supervisor Al Nelson aimed to capture the raw, visceral soundscape of Formula 1 racing like never before for a recent film. Nelson visited Silverstone during filming, experiencing firsthand the overwhelming roar of engines and crowds at speeds exceeding 200 mph. He described the sound as something felt 'in your bones,' setting the goal to recreate this intense feeling.
To achieve this, Nelson and his team employed bold methods, including placing microphones extremely close to the track and gaining crucial access to the Mercedes pit lane and garage. Lewis Hamilton, a producer and seven-time champion, was instrumental in facilitating this access. Recording sound directly on the cars presented challenges due to strict weight regulations.
Tiny, approved microphones and recorders were attached to Mercedes cars when their weight specifications allowed. The team meticulously recorded sounds from different engines—Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, and Renault—as each has a distinct sonic character. The film's fictional APXGP car utilizes a Mercedes-based engine, with recordings from actual Grand Prix races used for other teams like Red Bull.
Understanding driver and fan expectations for authentic gear changes and engine notes was critical, with Hamilton providing insights into a driver's auditory experience. Complementing these efforts, sound editor Gwendolyn Yates Whittle managed crowd noises and loop group recordings, while mixers Gary Rizzo and Juan Peralta oversaw dialogue and sound effects, contributing to the film's multiple award nominations.
