Monday, April 16, 2018

Behind the Scenes with a Movie Sound Mixer, A Quiet Place Review, Ayreon Universe Review, Plus More Movie Reviews and News!

I’m back! And do I have some movie and music surprises for you today. Including someone who used to work in the movie industry.
Plus, I am visiting Thoughts in Progress and talking about how the IWSG anthology all began. Be sure to stop by!

Behind the Scenes of a Movie

“Do not go into the movie industry,” cautioned my mom. Family lore had it; my aunt Helen worked in the studios and suffered a mental breakdown caused by harassment. Decades before the #MeToo movement

My grandfather, Granville Redmond had a different experience. He was deaf and taught Charlie Chaplin many pantomime routines. Chaplin used Granville in his silent films and they developed a life-long friendship.

(right) Chaplin Talking on His Hand to Redmond (left) 1918

I took Mom’s advice, well sort of, I interned at an independent television station. In 1990 I founded Tammarine Production Company. While enrolled in advanced editing and recording courses at State University, I met Gerry Williams, a cinema photographer.

Gerry landed movie gigs in Los Angeles, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. He hired me to be the location sound mixer. I earned IMDb movie credits–"L. Sharon Tammarine."
Sound Mixer on Location

Between takes, I’d chat with cast and crew. Starlets whispered they’d agreed to appear nude because if they didn’t, their resumes were shredded. I can only imagine what my aunt endured. The casting couch started long before serial predator Harvey Weinstein.

In Mexico, Gerry and I worked with an all Spanish speaking crew. My boom operator and I communicated through sign language and gestures. No English required. I wanted to empower my assistant with a marketable skill, so I taught him my trade.


Boom Operator

One night, around eleven, we were on the Mexican side of the border waiting to clear customs before returning to San Diego, California. I glanced through the passenger window. Between traffic lanes, a street urchin of about eight years old sat, with a battered tip bowl, his fatigued body slumped over his guitar. Limp fingers slid aimlessly over tight strings; all the while this vulnerable child inhaled exhaust fumes. I sat in the truck, powerless to make a difference. His image burns in my memory.

I thrived in this community of endless creativity, innovation, and cooperation. Unfortunately, wearing headphones was an essential part of sound recording. Gun shots and other sudden, loud noises began to damage my ears. I decided to save my hearing and change careers.

With hopes of being a writer, I signed up with temp agencies. I worked steadily, but not as a wordsmith. Without a college degree, or formal training, the door was nailed shut.

When my husband and I retired, we bought a sailboat, sold our house, and sailed to Mexico, where we live today on our vessel, La Vita. My brand-new world is filled with real-life adventures. Today, I thrive as an unstoppable writer.

Lynn S. Bradshaw
Traveler, Photographer, Writer, La Patrona de La Cruz Writing Group
Blog

Movie Reviews

A Quiet Place

One family’s fight to survive alien creatures who hunt by sound.
It lives up to its billing – it’s very quiet. (And pray you see it with a quiet audience. Good luck with that.)
It was as much a family drama dealing with a catastrophic event as it was a horror/science fiction film. The success of the film relies on how much you grow to care about this family.
In the beginning, the pace was slow and deliberate but not boring. When it picks up a little over halfway, it doesn’t let up. Plus there are some squirm inducing scenes. Nothing gross, but many will cover their eyes. (Nail. That’s all I’m going to say.)
The cast is great, especially the parents, played by Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. Many of you know Krasinski from The Office and he was also the director of this film. (And note that the young lady who plays their deaf daughter really is deaf.)
The creature effects are also great. Creepy and effective.
If you want all the answers, this is not the movie for you. How the creatures came to earth, why they are so hard to kill, etc. – it’s never explained. But that’s not the purpose of the film anyway.
This is a small film about a family struggling to survive in a world turned upside down. And on that level, it works exceptionally well. You will be thinking about it for days afterwards.
Highly recommended.

The Rift
A team of agents are dispatched to Serbia to retrieve a fallen satellite, but that’s not what they find.
The storyline is original and has potential. A mix of time travel, wormholes, and the event horizon and what horrors it might entail. Starts off as a spy thriller before drifting into the unknown.
The cast is decent and does their best.
Here’s where it all breaks down though.
The music is horrible. Think of a cheesy B flick from the 80’s and then turn the volume to eleven. The music ruined all chances of this movie at least being decent.
And while some characters were noted in the beginning to be unstable, they degenerated into a little bit too unstable.
In the hands of a better director – and for God’s sake, a better music director – this might have been a really cool and interesting small film.
Interesting but I can’t recommend it.

Wolf Warrior II
A retired Chinese special forces operative is drawn back into action during an African country’s civil war.
This film came out last year and made almost a billion dollars. So I was curious.
It reminded me a lot of Chuck Norris and Arnold Schwarzenegger films from the 80’s. The lone mercenary who fights against impossible odds to save people.
For a Chinese produced action flick, it’s good. They go all out, although sometimes the weak budget shows. Plus it’s got a bit of Chinese propaganda to it.
Frank Grillo plays the bad guy. Like he does.
It’s also a bit on the long side. Good thing the hero can’t be killed.
However, if you dig the 80’s style action films, you will enjoy this Chinese version of the genre.
Recommended to those who dig the genre.

Music/DVD Review – Ayreon Universe

The first ever Ayreon concert took place last September, selling out all three shows in Tilburg in the Netherlands. Lucky for us, they recorded it, and the double CD and DVD were released on March 30. Of course I got both! A live CD is cool but it’s even better when you can see it.

First, let me say the production values are incredible. If not for the crowd cheering at the end and beginning of each song, you might not know it was live. The quality is that good – the musicians, the singers, and the production team. Both the DVD and the live CDs will amaze you.

Next, to give you an idea of what went into producing the show and the results – Arjen began planning the event two years ago. He needed to pick the songs and notify singers and musicians well in advance. Six months out, the musicians began practicing together. Then the backup singers were added. (All of whom are front singers of course.) Some singers weren’t sure they’d make it, so there were tryouts two weeks before the show, just in case. Arjen is so humble and gracious, he even thanked those who didn’t make the cut.

He also features and talks about every performer in the DVD booklet. Including himself – “Yeah, what can I say about this hippie? Besides the fact the he’s extremely tall and could use a visit to the hairdresser. Go and eat some more peanut butter, dude, any thinner and you wouldn’t exist anymore!”

The music is incredible. Some songs sound exactly like the original recording, which is impressive. Where other singers filled in (most are European, as I doubt someone like James Labrie would be able to fly over for three weeks) they did a great job. Everyone got into character and gave it their all.

The music selection is unique. I imagine Arjen had a list of songs he wanted to do and that was whittled down to conform to whom could perform the vocals. There is something from every album, including from his Star One projects, and they perform at least one big hit from each. The Eye of Ra from Star One seemed like an odd choice, but it was fitting as the last song, as every singer came out to perform. Which was really amazing – to see that level of talent on one stage just blows the mind. Singers and musicians. Including Jeroen Goossens who plays everything from the flute to the didgeridoo. (Which only Ayreon could pull off in style.)

One of the notable moments on the DVD is when Floor Jansen (lead singer of mega-popular Nightwish) walked on stage. She’s six foot one and in heels, she towered above everyone on stage. It wasn’t until Arjen came out toward the end of the show (he’s not comfortable on stage) that someone stood taller. (He’s six foot seven. As he said, extremely tall!)

This was a once in a lifetime event. If you are a fan of Ayreon or just a fan of prog - so much talent from so many bands in one place – you have to pick up the CD and DVD.

Highly recommended!


Ninja News

Ronel the Mythmaker asked me to contribute to her A to Z Challenge posts. I was honored to be her J post - Joining Writing Groups.

New release!

The Ashes of Home by Ian S. Bott
Visit the full list of retailers HERE

The WEP – (Write...Edit...Publish) team, that quirky online writing community, led by those much-loved bloggers, Denise Covey, Yolanda Renée, Nilanjana Bose and Olga Godim, is open for submissions for their April challenge – Road Less Traveled.
The challenge is open to all writers. We welcome flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction, essays, art or photography. Word limit is around 1,000 words.
Your choice on how you approach the challenge: a career choice? A journey to an out-of-the-way places? A fork in the road? For more brain joggers, visit the WEP site.
The Top Three entries receive prizes!
Let your imagination run riot! We'd love you to join us!

Think you’d want to be a sound mixer? Did you see A Quiet Place? (If not, tip-toe to your nearest theater now!) Seen The Rift or Wolf Warrior? Have you picked up Ayreon Universe? (You have to see it!) Posting for WEP? Or are you just wondering what happened to April…?

See you May 2 for the posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group
 
Don’t forget - Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, the next IWSG anthology, comes out May 1!

98 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

Welcome back Alex, again much news and reviews,so interesting to read.

Yvonne.

Elephant's Child said...

Welcome back - I hope your break was restorative and lovely.
Even my non-movie going self is fascinated to peek behind the scenes. Thank you and Lynn.
I am really looking forward to Tick-Tock.

Mason Canyon said...

Hi Alex, a lot going on. Fascinating to learn about Lynn's background. Not so sure about the movies this month.

Pat Hatt said...

Hope you had a good break.

That is quite the life change, from house to boat. Some of the entertainment industry sure can be a cesspool for those starting. Never thought of one's hearing. But all those noises sure would take a toll.

Glad I skipped The Rift, will stay that way.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

I enjoyed reading Lynn S. Bradshaw's account of her stint as a movie sound mixer. I spent years editing and mixing sound for television and it was always an adventure to get out of the studio on location.

A Quiet Place sounds like the title of a love story rather than the story of a family's battle with deadly alien creatures that hunt by sound. I can imagine problems with jerks in the audience breaking the silence with unwelcome sounds and remarks. I appreciate movies that slowly build suspense as long as they leave enough time to deliver the payoff.

Have a great week, Alex!

Lynn La Vita said...

Good Morning, Alex,
Thank you for the honor of being a guest blogger on your site. I'm touched by the kind comments and looking forward to visiting their blogs. Welcome back!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Wow! Lynn has such an interesting career and life to draw on in her writing. Not seen A Quiet Place. It sounds good, but maybe a bit too creepy for me.

Enjoy the rest of your break.

Chemist Ken said...

Lynn's story was inspirational. Glad she's having a good time writing these days. I haven't seen any of those films, but The Quiet Place sounds intriguing. Welcome back, Alex!

Truedessa said...

Good Morning and welcome back!

I really enjoyed reading about Lynn's career. It sounds like she has had a remarkable journey.

I haven't decided if I will see "A Quiet Place". It seems very intense.

Ayreon Universe sounds intriguing.

One of these days, I may submit to the WEP as they do take poetry.

Have a great day! It's an umbrella day here.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Lynn's retirement sounds amazing! Too cool about her grandfather and Chaplin.

A Quiet Place sounds interesting. I'm too clumsy to be quiet. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pat, just cross it off your list.

Shady, we had a family in the theater that made every noise possible!

Lynn, happy to host you!

Truedessa, you should try your hand at WEP. Do it this month!

Elizabeth, same here. Every time I make a noise now, my wife tells me 'Well, you're dead now.'

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I so want to see A QUIET PLACE! I'm just torn about going to the theater and risking a not-so-quiet audience or waiting until I can watch at home, in peace and quiet.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Welcome back! Captivating interview - enjoyed the navigation details of the career change, inspirational. Best of luck to Ms Bradshaw.

A Quiet Place is running here - want to watch, even more now that it's got your reco behind it. Great to see WEP here - thank you!

I'm definitely one of those wondering where half of April has vanished!

Stacy McKitrick said...

The Quiet Place piqued my interest but I knew right away Hubby would not go for it. Guess I'll have to wait for it to come out on DVD and then watch it without him. :)

Arlee Bird said...

Re: The Rift--I agree that a music soundtrack can greatly enhance or wreck a film. Just this week-end I was noticing this in a pretty good western from 1970. The music was a light jazzy score that was so out of character with what I was watching that it was very distracting--it really dated the film. On the other hand the soundtrack from Dunkirk was amazing. There were no melodies that stood out--I don't even think anything in the soundtrack could be defined as melodic--but the soundtrack fit so will with the action that it was likely barely noticed by most viewers. When I see a movie I'm usually more interested in the action on screen than the music backing what is being seen. Film music should enhance the film and not distract from it.

April still going strong here. A to Z has been going so smoothly this year and I've been reading some outstanding posts from participants.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out / Battle of the Bands

Patricia Stoltey said...

A Quiet Place might be too creepy for me. I rarely find moments of quiet in my house (when both animals are asleep, hubby is not using his ham radio, neighbor is not playing his drums, and all appliances have shut off). When that happens, it grabs my attention and makes me wonder what's wrong...

DMS said...

So fascinating to hear from Lynn. Can't imagine all the things she has seen and heard.

A Quiet Place looks pretty creepy- but I have heard how awesome it is from a lot of people. Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess

Christine Rains said...

Thanks for the peek behind the scenes, Lynn! I've heard really good things about The Quiet Place. I've not gotten a chance to watch any movies lately, but I'm up to date on Legion and I'm going through Netflix's Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Both very weird and quirky!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, we're on the same page about A QUiet Place. I agree with everything you mentioned. Loved the creatures as well! The sound effects were just as brilliant.

The Cynical Sailor said...

I loved hearing about Lynn's backstory - so fascinating! And, of course, she lives on a sailboat, which is awesome :-)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's neat Lynn's grandfather worked with Charlie Chaplin.

I covered my eyes more than once in A Quiet Place.

XmasDolly said...

Ayreon Universe is about the only thing that really interested me, but then again maybe behind the scenes did too and especially Charlie Chaplin... okay... okay... you write one helleva Post there my friend! Did I ever tell you my gramma dated (one date) Charlie Chaplin... hehehe~ Yeah, at least that's what my mama said, but so not sure it's true or not. She might have been pulling my leg. Anyway, what better way to learn miming then from a deaf person. That was really smart of him, huh? I thought you were doing the A to Z stuff, but when I came over on the first day nothing. I was truly disappointed, but truly I know in my heart you are one BUSY man! Hugs to ya and I hope all is well with you. I woke up to one inch of snow outside this morning. I really believe Mother Nature is going through menopause!!! ~snicker~ Have a rockin' week my friend!

Chrys Fey said...

Lynn’s story is fascinating!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - interesting to read about Lynn's story - good that she posted with you. I do want to see a Quiet Place ... so am keeping my eyes open for it - cheers Hilary

Susan Kane said...

We saw Rampage this weekend, enjoyed it immensely. Dwayne Johnson makes the movie. I love him. I love him so much.

Good to see you back.

Juneta key said...

Enjoyed reading Behind The Scenes. Living on a boat sounds like a dream come true to me and so much fun. Great post.

H. R. Sinclair said...

The Quiet Place looks excellent. I hadn't heard of Wolf Warrior II (was there a Wolf Warrior I?)

Maurice Mitchell said...

What an amazing insight into the early days of cinema Lynn! It's a shame that so much harassment was happening even back then. A Quiet Place is a big winner this week. "The Rift" sounds awful but a perfect candidate for MST3K. LOL

Lynn La Vita said...

April 16 IWSG-ALEX BLOG
Alex, we’ll be in the States next month, so we’ll try to catch A Quiet Place…maybe rent the DVD so we can get scared in peace.

Elephant’s Child, I’m glad your non-movie self enjoyed peeking behind the scenes.

Mason, I lived about 125 miles south of Hollywood, so I felt like an outsider. Just the same, it was a fascinating experience.

Pat, You are right, a house on dirt is a lot different than a home on the water. My Dad lost his hearing during the war. I didn’t want to be the third generation to go deaf: grandfather/father/me.

Shady, As an editor and sound mixer, you’ve seen/heard a lot, too.

Natalie, I think working on location opened my eyes to the interesting snippets of life. I’m delighted I was invited to share these events.

Chemist, Yes, it’s nice to have the energy and inspired to write arrive at the same time.

Truedessa, It’s good to learn you enjoyed my post. Yes, it was a remarkable time.

Elizabeth, I only wish I could have known my grandfather and Chaplin. They inspired each other in many ways.

Lynn La Vita said...

Nilanjana, I think my career change suggests being willing to explore opportunities can open many doors.

DMS, It was a unique time in my life, that’s for sure. Thanks for letting us know you enjoy my post.

Christine, I’m curious about The Quiet Place, too. The Lemony Snicket's Series sounds intriguing.

Cynical, Yes, we share the love of the sea. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Simon’s adventures. You really capture his antics.

L. Diane, It’s been an interesting piece of family history.

XmasDolly, I think it’s very possible your gramma dated (one date) with Chaplin. Yes, the deaf communicate with body language (as well as signs), so that seemed to be the attraction. I hope your snow melts soon!

Chrys, It was fun telling the story, too.

Hilary, I’m honored to be invited to post.

Juneta, I love the cruising community (folks that live & travel on boats), but I assure you there are trade-offs. For example, my galley (kitchen) is so small I don’t have a toaster or microwave.

Maurice, It’s my understanding the casting couch was a regular part of the industry. I’m glad folks are speaking up.

Andrew Leon said...

I want to go see A Quiet Place, but it's probably going to be one I have to wait for.

Sherry Ellis said...

Welcome back, Alex! A Quiet Place sounds like a good film.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, exactly. The music needs to fit and if it's almost invisible, that's actually a good thing.

Christine, Legion is awesome.

George, they were!

Maria, that's wild if she did date Chaplin.

Susan, I figured he'd be able to save it if it wasn't that good.

Holly, yes there was.

Maurice, they would have so much fun riffing The Riff!

Lynn, you should see it.

Cherie Reich said...

Welcome back! A Quiet Place looks like a great movie.

The Happy Whisk said...

Welcome back. Nope on the movie but I did see Game Night and we enjoyed it a lot. Really fun.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm wondering what happened to April ... but I know, mostly, that life exploded and I lit the fuse beforehand. :)

J E Oneil said...

A Quiet Place looks really good, although I'm probably going to wait until it's available to stream to watch it. There are too many other movies I want to spend my money on :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Lynn is a woman with great story. Very interesting spotlight, Alex. Thank you.
Have a great week.
Robyn

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Alex,
I loved Lynn's post. Fascinating! Thanks, Lynn, for sharing.
The concept for Quiet Place is unique isn't it? How did this work out with popcorn crunching? Heh.

Jemi Fraser said...

A Quiet Place wounds WAY too creepy for me - I'm a total wimp with horror movies! :)

Liz A. said...

A Quiet Place--I can't. I just can't. I don't do horror for a reason.

Thanks for the heads up about The Rift. It just goes to show how much music does do for a film. We don't think about it much because usually the director and the composer are really good at their jobs. (I took a film music class in college. I learned how much really goes into doing soundtracks. The professor has played in orchestras that scored various films--some you've heard of.)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tyrean - boom!

Sandra, you much chomp quietly...

Liz, that's really cool!

Birgit said...

I hope you had a great time away. We have had an ice storm this past weekend...with snow and rain so...blecccchhh. I have heard great things about a Quiet Place but it looks very scary so I can see me just freak out. I don’t know about the other films so, we will see. How neat that Lynne worked in film and has such a great history especially her grandfather who must have helped Chaplin in his pantomime just like Lon Chaney had since his parents were deaf.

Jo said...

Don't much like scary movies so A Quiet Place doesn't sound like one I would wish to see. I am still waiting for the library to send me the Thor movie, Thor Ragnarok was it? A long waiting list.

Hope you enjoyed your break.

JeriWB said...

I really like Emily Blunt, and A Quiet Place sounds like a great story. I can't wait to see it.

kaykuala said...

Welcome back Alex, to the grind for you and lots of info to whet our appetite. Lynn's account is interesting. Backroom boys are but forgotten in many instances. Will get my grandee to the Quiet Place when it comes around!

Hank

Tonja Drecker said...

Ah, April! Is that what it is. . .was. . .huh? Loved reading Lynn's thoughts.

Botanist said...

Welcome back, Alex. The stories from behind the scenes in the movie industry are in equal parts fascinating and disturbing.

And thanks for mentioning the recent release of Ashes! I appreciate it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Birgit, I didn't know that!

Jo, that's it.

Jeri, you will really like it then!

Ian, you're welcome!

Helena said...

I am so impressed with Lynn and her career! I hope her new life as a writer has unstoppable success! But now her description of that street urchin will haunt me too.

I'm looking forward to seeing The Quiet Place -- but also kinda dreading some scenes 'cause I scare easily. And too bad about The Rift. Were the producers and director so clueless they didn't get how damaging the music was? Wish you'd been there to straighten them out, Alex.

Lynn La Vita said...

Rabyn,
It was a fascinating time and allowed me to learn about many lives hidden from view.

Sandra Cox
It was an honor and privilege to be a Guest blogger. I’m glad you enjoyed my story.

Birget
I completely agree, using pantomime helps bridge the communication gap between the hearing & deaf. It helps me when my Spanish fails me and I’m trying to be understood by the local folks.

Hank
It took a bit of courage explore this career path, but I’m glad I did.

Tonja
Sharing these events from the past brought forth many memories.

Botanist
It was a rare opportunity to briefly observe other lives and return to my ‘normal’ life at will. Some of the memories are with me today, many years later.

Helena
The street urchin was the most disturbing, for me. Even today, I wonder what could have been done to help him.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Glad to see you're back!

I never thought of the health hazards to being a sound mixer. Good thing there is more than one creative outlet! I can only imagine how bad Hollywood can be to the ego and a person's morals. So sad!

I have a hard time with movies that don't answer all of my questions. All else could be perfect and if there is a hanging question, it will annoy the crap out of me. I watched Don't Blink last night and it was a decent movie all the way to the end when the movie ended without explaining the why...I felt like I'd just wasted 80 minutes of my life. I need movie closure!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, Alex.

alexia said...

My son saw The Quiet Place and enjoyed it. A unique take on dystopians!

Patsy said...

I've helped out with some filming – though nothing technical and not for movies. It was fun and I'd do it again, but not as a full time job.

Sandra Cox said...

Sounds like the Ayreon concert was transcendental. So glad you were able to get the CD and DVD. 6.7???? I bet the coaches were after him in high school and college:)

Suzanne Furness said...

Hope you enjoyed your break, Alex. I have been hearing good things about Quiet Place, I think I must go and see this one soon.

Magic Love Crow said...

Welcome back Alex! I loved reading about Lynn! Thank you!
A Quiet Place sounds amazing!
Thanks for another great post!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helena, I would've straightened them out!

Elizabeth, I understand. Thanks for the warning on that one.

Sandra, wish I could've ordered the special set, but Europe only. And I bet they were!

John Wiswell said...

Welcome back! The Rift is kind of my thing. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

Heather R. Holden said...

Been hearing lots of good things about A Quiet Place. I always love it when a horror movie leaves certain elements unexplained, so learning this one does, too, from your review has made me more interested in seeing it!

Roland Clarke said...

Welcome back, Alex - into the deep end as usual. Great to read the piece from Lynn Bradshaw, and her account reminded me of my brief stint in the video & movie industry - although it was almost losing my money that got me out.

Sandra Cox said...

The Rift music must have been bad, usually it's like using 'said' in writing, it just blends.
Have a good one.

mshatch said...

I want to see A Quiet Place. Too bad about the music in The Rift. Music can be so important. We forget about it until we get a crap soundtrack.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I've heard so many good things about A Quiet Place. I really want to see it now.

Erika Beebe said...

What an incredible journey. The risk would scare me of being a sound mixer. I saw a Quiet Place over the weekend and I admit, I was really spooked! I covered my ears and squirmed for sure. I loved the aliens by the way.

mail4rosey said...

The image of the boy is sad. I'm glad she made her way back to Mexico. It sounds like she loves it so. Also happy to hear the writing is going strong. Hurrah for no more nails shutting doors! :)

Joanne said...

sorry I'm late to this party. Was in Philly visiting Dad. Ssshhh - our audience was silent for The Quiet Place and the movie was SO good. Wow.
The behind the scenes from your sound mixer - very interesting.
Hope you are having a good week. Now I must head to work - ugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

John, ignore the music. It's better that way.

Heather, go!

Sandra, watch ten minutes and you'll understand.

Erika, glad you went to see it!

Joanne, glad you got a quiet audience!

Shadow said...

The movie industry is in a class of their own, different, exciting, heart-breaking and a dream to many, thanks for the insight.

Sandra Cox said...

Just got back from Ronel's. Great post. IWSG offers a lot.

Lynn, I tried to leave a comment at your blog, but for whatever reason, couldn't.

Lynda Dietz said...

Nice guest post! I love the intricacies of sound engineering.

My oldest saw The Quiet Place and said it was really nicely done, especially for a movie that has so little dialogue to fall back on.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I thought The Quiet Place was great! It kept the audience engaged, despite so little spoken dialogue. There were plot holes (there are always plot holes), but not enough to bother me.

Thank you to Lynn for a glimpse at her past. Interesting info!

diedre Knight said...

Here I am, bringing up the rear again. Sigh. And I apologize.
Oh I am going to see 'A Quiet Place'. There's no stopping me ;-)
I was totally enthralled with Lynn Bradshaw's blog!

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex! Thanks for kindly promoting WEP. We had a very good turnup considering the A-Z!

JEN Garrett said...

I loved your J post! This post was so interesting, too. I especially enjoyed the first installment of it. My uncle and cousin are sound mixers for bands, but that's not a skill I ever desired to develop. So interesting though!

M Pax said...

I enjoyed reading about Lynn. Thanks to her for sharing and for you for finding her. Welcome back.

Seema Misra said...

An information packed blog post. Love the behind the scene section the post starts with.

https://lonelycanopyblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/rainy-days-in-oceangreen-kannur/

mail4rosey said...

I forgot to say how cool I think it is that your grandfather had a lifelong relationship with Charlie Chaplin!

Anonymous said...

Alex! Welcome back!

So...we were supposed to see Quiet Place last weekend, had tickets and everything, but I ended up with a migraine and hubby had to go alone. Ugh! He said it was awesome! We were going to try this weekend but well, you already know, so we are going to try again for next weekend because he said it was so good he'd watch it a second time. Fingers crossed.

Elsie

Carrie-Anne said...

I don't think I'd want to be a sound mixer, due to not wanting to damage my hearing. Lynn and her family have certainly had some amazing adventures and stories to tell!

Raimey Gallant said...

Wow, Lynn! What a story!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Alex! I thought you published this yesterday ~ It was a week ago yesterday! I've got to come up for air more often! I enjoyed visiting "Thoughts in Progress" and reading about how the IWSG anthologies began, and I loved hearing about "Ayreon Universe." I'm going to make it my next read for meeting my next health goal. All the best to you and your wife. Take care, my friend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Sandra!

Lynda, they did an excellent job with the film.

Diedre, go!

Denise, that's awesome.

Elsie, hope you get to see it.

Fundy, you would enjoy the live Ayreon video.

Julie Flanders said...

So interesting to read Lynn's story. What interesting experiences she has had.
I'm looking forward to seeing Quiet Place! Hope you enjoyed your break, Alex.

Leslie S. Rose said...

Thank you for sharing your journey, Lynn. I cherished my time working in television, but it is a very tough industry.

Can't wait for TICK TOCK! So excited.

Mina Burrows said...

Love that post, Lynn! What an extrodinary career you've had. I'm heading to your blog next.

Alex, thanks for the Quiet Place review. I wondered about that one.
Also, there's crazy buzz about the Avengers move. I can't wait to read you're review on that.

Mina B. :)

Angela Brown said...

You know, it is always interesting to get a bit of the real life backstory on writers. Thank you, Lynn, for sharing yours.

I have not seen the movies mentioned here. I'm mainly in pause mode waiting for my daughter to return from her road trip. As part of the Junior Leadership of the Un-Included Club, a local nonprofit, she's traveling to North Carolina to participate in the Mother Earth News fair. So I'm waiting for her so we can go see Avengers Infiniy Wars together.

Jennifer Lane said...

I REALLY want to see A Quiet Place. Glad you enjoyed it!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Thanks for the Quiet Place review. I want to see it, but jump scares are just too hard on me. I'll have to pass on that one. But people who have seen it tell me that it's good.

Sandra Cox said...

That is so cool that Chaplin worked with Lynn's grandfather.

It's almost Tick Tock Time........

Alex, hope your day has been productive and your evening pleasant.

Pat Tillett said...

I loved Lynn Bradshaw's story about her experiences. It was very interesting. Sad to hear that it was much worse for women in that industry back then.

A Quiet Place sounds pretty good to me, I'll be seeing it. Thanks for info Alex.
Too bad about The Rift. I was excited for a moment...

SpacerGuy said...

Its always neat to escape the bright lights of showbiz, lol - The movies really were a male driven chauvinistic industry back in the 1990's. Fun for movie directors and audiences explains a lot really.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Hubby and started to watch a movie on Netflix called Titan. Um. Les bad cinema. Dreadful movie. Too bad too.

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to Ian on the new release.
Did you get lots of sunshine today, Alex?

Stephen Tremp said...

Cool! Very exciting best wishes to everyone with the release of Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

A Quiet Place has intrigued me since I first saw the trailer. A good horror movie is hard to find--looking forward to this one.

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm totally behind with reading blogs. My apologies.