A COLLABORATIVE POST
WRITTEN BY BOOM BOX POST
We recently brought on a new Boom Box apprentice. It is our pleasure to introduce Isabel Roney! We had a chance to ask her a few questions to better get to know her.
What started your interest in sound for Television & Film?
Growing up, I played the violin and guitar (and still do, although pretty terribly) and loved learning about music. When I got to film school, I was drawn to the similarities between music and sound design, namely how they both require a balance of a creative imagination with advanced technical skills. Getting involved in sound design projects as a freshman was really fun, so I decided to get my degree in it.
How did you find out about the apprenticeship?
My professor for video game sound design told me about the apprenticeship. Since the program offers a thorough introduction to many different aspects of sound design, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for someone just getting started in the industry who doesn’t know exactly what they want to pursue just yet, like me! Plus, I love animation, so the content at Boom Box is especially exciting for me.
What is the craziest sound you have ever heard?
This isn’t exactly a sound, but I highly recommend looking up “Justin Beiber slowed down 800%” on YouTube. You’d think it would be hilarious and messy, but it actually sounds really beautiful.
What do you hope to get out of this apprenticeship?
I hope to complete this apprenticeship with a strong understanding of what goes into sound design for animation, and what the process for making animated shows is like overall. Additionally, I hope the apprenticeship lessons shed some light on which aspects of sound design I’m most interested in pursuing. I’m excited to figure out what most inspires and excites me, so that when I finish the program I know what to try next!
What lesson are you most looking forward to?
Hard to say, in general I’m excited to get to know the team and to learn from professionals. If I had to choose, I’m looking forward to the lessons that involve sound effects and sound design the most. I love coming up with creative solutions for sounds and experimenting with editing. I’m also interested in learning the differences between backgrounds and ambiences, because before BBP I used those terms interchangeably.
What was your favorite class you took in school?
One of my favorite classes was a foley workshop. In addition to being fun and active, it helped me develop my ability to think outside the box and find solutions for sounds we didn’t have in our library. My favorite thing to do in that class was to use fruits and vegetables to create spooky effects for monsters-- the sound of crunched up cabbage is so gross in the best way possible.
What are the three things you would bring with you to a deserted island?
Probably my dog to keep me company, some art supplies to entertain myself (and to write signs asking passing airplanes to rescue me), and some sort of solar-powered speaker system so there’s always music to listen to.
If you could have a fictional character (movie, TV show, or book) be your friend, who would it be?
Being at Boom Box has gotten me reminiscing about my favorite kids’ animated TV shows, so I’d have to say Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls. She’s such a fun and loyal friend, plus she always winds up interacting with paranormal beings and going on crazy adventures.
If you would like to read more about what we do here at Boom Box Post take a look at these posts:
DESIGNING CUSTOM SOUND EFFECTS FROM A LIBRARY
DESIGNING A TORNADO MAKING MACHINE