To all the sound recordist, boom ops, sound mixers, I love your work, and you’re worth every penny. I do use you whenever there is a budget on a project because you provide some of the most important and professional work on set. Some self funded passion projects don’t always allow me to afford the opportunity to hire sound people but my apologies for my comments in this video as it made it sound as though I don’t think your craft & skill is worth the investment. Certainly not the case.
Why are sound mixers upset? You're just talking about what works for you, in a situation where you don't have a big budget. My husband and I made nearly an entire HBO series by self funding, just the two of us running all the equipment, being our own DIT, editors, composers, etc. We would have loved to have more crew early on, but we simply couldn't afford it. You do what you can with what you have. I personally really liked the sponsored senneheiser part of this video, and I don't think you have anything to apologize for.
@@KyllandMusic Its the fact he complains about the price, but then later says it is unacceptable to compromise on sound. Its also frustrating to imply that sound mixers arent worth the cost, despite spending years honing our skills and acquiring equipment
Yeah, you can fuck right off with this disingenuous walk back; our collective rates are lower than the average skilled position on set and we have to fight for every penny we make (WELL under what you’re claiming, btw). A film is only as good as its sound, and if you don’t put in the effort of hiring a sound person, your film will suffer. Good luck trying to hire any sound mixers for any future projects after this bashing 🙄
The best thing about A24 is their ability to step back and simply fund filmmakers they believe in. Let the art become what it needs to be. They are a helping hand, not an ominous overlord.
ISnt that what all the GREAT movies do, and all the movies that WANT to be great, and were not, we always here the Studio stepped in and cut budgets, funding, time, and or pushed for something KEY to the story to be removed for some stupid reason. An example of this, The Hobbit Movies. Peter Jackson had everything pulled out from under him and in the end told the silliest story in history, after telling a great story with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy,
Simple, quality over quantity. The biggest difference between A24 and bigger companies like warner bros or marvel is that they aren't greedy and forcing crappy movies out for money. They care about the craft and story.
It’s because, like a lot of publicly traded, they set the fucking target profits of the year before they make the work. So if its areltively small 1 billion dollar company and they target a measly 6% which is in reality 600 million. You cant reach that being artistic and human and creative. It will be forcing them to create franchises repetitive experiences and stories. Line has to go up
Saying "quality over quantity" is a lazy answer. As you said, they simply bet on small creators Hollywood tends to overlook, but not only that: their marketing works pretty well for being niched to people who appreciate things outside the mainstream, which means they know how to use the algorithm to reach their public and then let people do their job by spreading the word. Besides, they're visually amazing, which tends to call the attention of younger more aesthetically inclined audiences (like the Euphoria fans lol). Another detail: they know how to select creative people who can use small budges creatively without sacrificing their intentions for it, which tends to maximise profits for the next films. They open the gates through what we already know to show something different. Is not simply "quality over quantity", is communication-communicating a story, communicating with your public, communicating an idea, and etc.
The reason they are successful is that they showcase films that are relatable common people, emotionally mature, out of the ordinary. Which big studios don't do anymore, they like to do big budget, big stars, too much cgi films that don't relate to the lives we live as people. A24 movies touch region, culture, languages, joy and suffering of these people.
Hiring a professional sound mixer is still absolutely worth it! Boom operation is an art just like cinematography, and improper lavalier application can result in throaty, scratchy, or otherwise bad sound
@@carpballet You can build a house, too, by yourself. It will cost you more, take 10 times as long, and the results not as good. I've worked on scores of films. Even a skeleton crew requires 7 people. And viewers will forgive poor visuals. But they will never forgive bad sound.
@@TeddyRumble Everybody has a first day. Well, except you. You were born with 416 in your hand and a Sound Devices on your hip, ammirite? Lol. Audio guys…
A24 films are hit or miss for me sometimes, but I feel the urge to make sure I give their films a chance. I love being inspired by their catalog of work. Favs: Uncut Gems, The Lighthouse, Last Black Man, Men, Under the Skin, Problemista, Room, Midsommar, Good Time, The Lobster, Hereditary, Moonlight, C'Mon C'Mon, Marcel. Swiss Army Man.
I just discovered A24 a few weeks ago, not realizing I've already seen a number of their films! Needless to say, I'm obsessed. I've been watching so many of their films recently and am anything but underwhelmed. Incredible work all around. Also... *insert shock emoji here* lol
I hope A24 stays a privately owned company. Going public rarely results in a good product and instead is about shareholders and constantly gaining profit and taking low risks. Movie budgets are insane. The million of dollars isn't a lot at all. Having seen sets and the amount of people involved for just one scene for example, it's easy to see why. There are so many people involved, think of just all the background extras that are hired, to get a movie up and going, that immersion and quality comes at a cost. Equipment, crew, cast, location rental, etc.
If you don’t hire a professional sound mixer for your film, don’t think that you’re saving money, because you’ll end up paying probably twice as much to fix your bad audio in post.
PLUS...we bought all of the gear, it's top stuff, because we DO NOT COMPROMISE on sound. Great sound is our goal, it is our bread and better, it is all we do. Yet, we are not expensive. You look at a $300 million film. On set sound mixers, boom operators, utility sound are a mere fraction of everyone else on set. You get professional sound for pennies. Seriously.
I’m also married to a DP, and he would never ever say Sound mixer rates are crazy. I make HALF he does and I provide gear when he doesn’t. HOW are those rates crazy!?
@@SoundSpeedingConsidering how important sound is, you should consider yourself lucky we go so cheap. Sennheiser equipment is good...in the right hands. I've worked on 60 films, laved up hundreds of actors, I've worked 20 hour days in the desert, rain, freezing temperatures, never had any complaints.
I absolutely LOVED this!! Such a great way to showcase a company and their secret sauce for success. I am usually not interested about how Hollywood cooks up their films (though I consider myself an avid movie-goer and filmmaker) but this was told in a way that captured my attention fully. Great job as always Mark!
This is not how A24 movies are shot. Mark Bone is not an industry professional he’s done 9 short films and zero A24 movies. A24 movies are high budget films that hire a 3 person sound team.
$1,000 USD a day is what you have to make 20 days a month to own an old basic 3 bed house in Hollywood. Sound Mixers rent their gear like camera operators because they aren't free. $100,000+ is what it costs for pro gear Audio or Camera to make a movie. Productions want that gear for free! Gear eventually breaks.
Finally! A sensible response to this Sennheiser shill. Does he really believe that all these movies he loves didn’t use a professional sound department? Delusional bullshit.
A24 films find me. I don't go looking, and yet somehow I go to pick a film to see, and lo and behold, it's an A24 film. I don't think I've ever liked one studio's work this much. A24 has become my favorite. I am such a fan. I was geeking out accidentally spotting one of its offices in London earlier this year! I saw the logo in neon yellow from a distance, and I just had to get closer to take a photo.
I just wanna remember the film Tangerine. Sean Baker pulled off the iPhone look on a feature film, and I remember him saying he invested in great sound. The sound makes the film. It gives scale and electricity. I love mt sound people!
@@michaelaball3180For visuals, you need gaffer, best boys, grips, camera operators, greens, set desg, art directors, an so on. For sound on set? Boom operator, mixer, utility sound guy. Or...one person who does it all. Please, compare costs.
Who is charging $1800 for 1 wireless and a boom? Don’t know any sound mixer who charges that especially for a small project or doc. Maybe you are getting those rates if you burned a lot of bridges with mixers.
I don’t know why you’re bashing the department that creates 50% of your film experience. The main way to make a film unwatchable is to have bad sound. Getting rid of a sound team can easily cripple a project. It just seems like a weird way to sell products for a large corporation. What’s next, saying the DP makes too much and trying to showcase some beginner lenses?
Waves is hands down one of the most beautifully written films I’ve ever seen. I’m late, just viewed earlier this year, but I was in love with every bit of it.
Sing Sing is beautiful, thought provoking, chilling and heartfelt. It's not the type of film I would naturally gravitate towards but it's stuck with me. The story, acting and cinematography are top notch. It makes me feel better for having watched the movie even though the subject matter isn't meant to be easy.
Why attack sound department in order to get a sponsorship? A professional sound kit costs tens to thousands of dollars. They need to make a living wage as well as buy and maintain all their gear.
How can you not talk about Civil War. Damn that film was so well made and every single character did huge justice to their roles(except those two brothers, you know who). The story, direction, cinematography and wow that scene with Jesse Plemmons, that is epic.
i'm glad you made this and are giving A24 their flowers. My wife was literally saying yesterday " dude A24 makes some great films, everytime I see their logo on the screen, I know its going to be awesome. we've only watched a few from A24 but they are doing all the right things.
A24 does a lot of buying films that are already done. They are more like a DJ with great taste. Obviously, they have their own too and more so recently, but it's strange this goes unmentioned in videos like this.
I think what makes a24 successful is that they make their stories so captivating and artsy that you could watch it if it was a24 hour long film as well
SENNHEISER AUDIO GEAR IS AMAZING! I've been a customer for about 25 years now. I had a client who's business sold their complete line. Best line he had.
😲 As a sound professional first, I can't believe these rates... That aside, I love how film is still a place where a brand like A24 can disrupt with great storytelling. Always the best from you, Mark.
Depends on the necessary gear, but I guess a quote in the low thousands (say $1.2K or $1.4K ish) isn't unusual at all without even necessarily needing a super excessive sound package.
He's lying about sound prices to shill Sennheiser. You can surely get a quote that high but only if you're asking for a ton of gear. If he truly only wants a boom and a lav or two then no he would not be getting those quotes. Or if he's asking people to work as locals in remote areas with no travel compensation then the quotes may be that high as well. Very dishonest and kind of rude call out.
That’s £1400 for a sound guy. Holy smokes. In the UK, that’s about double a pro sound recordist. How do you engage with A24? Make short films? Write a feature script? Board it? Shoot a scene? Write a novel version of script? Make a podcast? There’s a lot of angles of attack. It’s quite overwhelming for even established corporate filmmakers like me, to engage and make that transition to narrative films. WIP - not easy with family and existing work commitments. Thanks for the vid Mark. You are a true inspiration for filmmakers 🙌
UK and USA rates (not just for a Production Sound Mixer, but any sort of crew, 1st AC / Gaffer / whoever) are very different to each other! USA is simply more expensive.
the sad thing is that the big studios also could have an a24-like department if they wanted to. small to mid budged movies with money they could save from the blockbusters just with a little more planing without any quality loss...
They're one of the few companies that actually allow their filmmakers to do their own thing. Sometimes you might not get great results because good artists aren't all good project managers, but at the very least you're going to get something interesting out of it. In the world of entertainment, especially the over-saturated one that we have now, being boring is a worse crime than being bad. That's something the big boys like Disney tend to forget sometimes.
Really enjoyed this review, great info. I've seen a few of these films but didn't realize they were from the same company, definitely going to watch more of their stuff now.
Is the cost of hiring crew going up or down? If everyone is making films and capable of making them, how does that affect crew positions in the overall market???
Sadly, everything said to support to Sennheiser gear and low budget sound IS a compromise. Most often mixers will reduce their rate to work on low budget projects, negotiation is always possible. I know because I am a production sound mixer and have often lowered my rate to work with productions to get their need met. I’m disappointed…
A24 is awesome, like how you highlighted what makes them a top notch studio. Every film is worth a view. That said, I have a massive Marvel fan as well. Still beauty in those films as well, yes some misses lately. But can’t simply discredit them for no reason, millions of people get inspired by their stories, that’s greatness in itself, and something worth celebrating. So check yourself before throwing out statements like that. Cheers
United Artists Corporation - a major investor in and distributor of independently produced motion pictures in the United States. The corporation was formed in 1919 by Charlie Chaplin, the comedy star; Mary Pickford and her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, the popular film stars; and D.W. Griffith, the director who was a pioneer in the development of camera techniques. They were the leading filmmakers of their day and wanted complete freedom in producing and distributing their films. The company also handled the distribution of high-quality films made by independent producers. United Artists was the first major production company to be controlled by its artists rather than by businessmen. It also started the trend among studios to act as distributing agencies for films other than those it produced. [Encyclopedia Britannica]. Echoes a similar sentiment ?
Really nice video, loved this look into what A24 is and why there successful. I love A24 for many of the reasons you stated. Even though I may have already known of a lot of the information in this video, I think it's nice that you put it all into one video.
It so easy to blame sound man for charging a decent rate, and adding his gear cost. I find absolutely humiliating that this guy don’t complain - and expose - about DP or gaffer or even his own costs! It is a shame that sennheiser would sponsor guys who pretend that you can replace a soundman by a producer hand holding a directional mike. Sound man should boycott all A24 productions and let then show their sound skills and spend money looping talent’s line.Shame on ,you A24, shame on you, Sennheiser.
🙀 this one? Thanx man, I actually had no idea even though I’ve seen 3 of the movies they all were from the same studio. Very interesting, love your content. Thanks and all the best.
This will have to do: 🫨🫨🫨 Great video, Mark. I like how you touched on “Moonlight” being a very influential part of A24’s overall aesthetic. I totally agree. 👍🏾
Been nothing but impressed with A24 over the years. Would love to work with them on a set one day. But the Iron Claw was great. For someone who grew up watching the Von Erichs in Dallas was part of my childhood. This movie brought it home for me about film making.
Loved the video and so accurate on so much stuff. Seems that A24 is not aiming to go more on big budget Hollywood films which I hope they don´t sell out. Also on a side note, not a fan on the Sound Guys, those comments only make our whole cinema craft undervalue. I don´t work on sound but it sad to hear when people say we only press record or only record stuff and don´t really understand the technical side of everything. You can never replace a true sound guy on set.
I love sound guys. Their work is incredible. We just can’t afford them for every shoot but good sound is a must. When there is real budget we will bring them out
A24 is a direct protest against the commercialisation of filmmaking. While Marvel is making cookie-cutter, plastic movies with no cinematic value, A24 is simply funding filmmakers they believe in. They believe in them, so they give them the money and let them do what they wish with it. That’s proper filmmaking; refusing to take risks has become the risk in itself. The best thing studios can do is let filmmakers make art they care about.
I have an idea. To save even more money why don't you have the sound mixer direct and produce. That way you only need a camera operator and sound mixer. Those producers overcharge anyway!
Hey Mark. Agreed 110%. I'd like to see more A24s come on the Hollywood scene and infuse the system with quality filmmaking similar to what happened back in the early 70's. I refused to give a single penny to any big budget film especially the ridiculous superhero films or any film that blows up stuff just to impress the audience. Thanks for bringing these points up and let's search for the next mini studio with brains at the top.
This is the story of any passion project. It always starts awesome. Reminds me of this small hotel I and some friends of mine used to go to. They served home cooked meals. Used small sufurias, etc. The food was sweet. Healthy. Before you know it, there were ques there... Before you know it... The quality of the food went down... Before you know it, the original owners sold the business and move away. The new customers did not know just how good it was at the beginning. They have nothing to compare to. Before it gets crowded its usually most honest and passionate. Then over the years it becomes something else. Not bad but not as raw as the early years. Things change I guess.
The secret is simple. Actors want to act, especially in more grounded pieces. Newer directors, although lacking experience have passion+innovation to get shots needed at that particular budget. They combined both needs to create projects more people want to see with actors who want to stay grounded with the indie vibe. (PS: I'm gonna be next!)
Lmao self proclaimed film purists never fail to reveal how phony they are about filmmaking once the topic of sound enters the chat - idk how much that Sennheiser bag was but you are definitely getting garbage quality audio working that way you guys 💀💀
Love the subject matter, but can you please answer me this @markbone: Are you creating the look of your talking head shot with a promist filter, and some haze. I have just been curious for so long how to create this particular look for some of my interviews and any help would be so appreicated!
To all the sound recordist, boom ops, sound mixers, I love your work, and you’re worth every penny. I do use you whenever there is a budget on a project because you provide some of the most important and professional work on set.
Some self funded passion projects don’t always allow me to afford the opportunity to hire sound people but my apologies for my comments in this video as it made it sound as though I don’t think your craft & skill is worth the investment. Certainly not the case.
If you can’t afford good sound, then maybe don’t shoot your “passion project” until you can afford an actual sound mixer :)
Why are sound mixers upset? You're just talking about what works for you, in a situation where you don't have a big budget. My husband and I made nearly an entire HBO series by self funding, just the two of us running all the equipment, being our own DIT, editors, composers, etc. We would have loved to have more crew early on, but we simply couldn't afford it. You do what you can with what you have. I personally really liked the sponsored senneheiser part of this video, and I don't think you have anything to apologize for.
@@KyllandMusic Its the fact he complains about the price, but then later says it is unacceptable to compromise on sound. Its also frustrating to imply that sound mixers arent worth the cost, despite spending years honing our skills and acquiring equipment
Yeah, you can fuck right off with this disingenuous walk back; our collective rates are lower than the average skilled position on set and we have to fight for every penny we make (WELL under what you’re claiming, btw). A film is only as good as its sound, and if you don’t put in the effort of hiring a sound person, your film will suffer. Good luck trying to hire any sound mixers for any future projects after this bashing 🙄
The best thing about A24 is their ability to step back and simply fund filmmakers they believe in. Let the art become what it needs to be. They are a helping hand, not an ominous overlord.
Thank you for this. It's so weird to see videos about cinema that praise the corporate entity and have little to say about the filmmaker
amazing
Yep! I was about to say essentially the same thing but you beat me to it.
Still it has to be profitable.
ISnt that what all the GREAT movies do, and all the movies that WANT to be great, and were not, we always here the Studio stepped in and cut budgets, funding, time, and or pushed for something KEY to the story to be removed for some stupid reason. An example of this, The Hobbit Movies. Peter Jackson had everything pulled out from under him and in the end told the silliest story in history, after telling a great story with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy,
Simple, quality over quantity. The biggest difference between A24 and bigger companies like warner bros or marvel is that they aren't greedy and forcing crappy movies out for money. They care about the craft and story.
It’s because, like a lot of publicly traded, they set the fucking target profits of the year before they make the work. So if its areltively small 1 billion dollar company and they target a measly 6% which is in reality 600 million. You cant reach that being artistic and human and creative. It will be forcing them to create franchises repetitive experiences and stories. Line has to go up
@@elo0915 that'd be 60 million, not 600 million
Saying "quality over quantity" is a lazy answer. As you said, they simply bet on small creators Hollywood tends to overlook, but not only that: their marketing works pretty well for being niched to people who appreciate things outside the mainstream, which means they know how to use the algorithm to reach their public and then let people do their job by spreading the word. Besides, they're visually amazing, which tends to call the attention of younger more aesthetically inclined audiences (like the Euphoria fans lol). Another detail: they know how to select creative people who can use small budges creatively without sacrificing their intentions for it, which tends to maximise profits for the next films.
They open the gates through what we already know to show something different. Is not simply "quality over quantity", is communication-communicating a story, communicating with your public, communicating an idea, and etc.
And most importantly originality
Quality over quantity is a weird answer. A24 release 10 or more films in a year, they put out 17 in 2024, 18 in 2023 and 15 in 2022
The reason they are successful is that they showcase films that are relatable common people, emotionally mature, out of the ordinary. Which big studios don't do anymore, they like to do big budget, big stars, too much cgi films that don't relate to the lives we live as people. A24 movies touch region, culture, languages, joy and suffering of these people.
Well said! my wife was just talking about A24 the other day- mentioning once she sees the A24 she knows its going to come correct.
definitely true
what about dune? i thought that was a fucking masterclass of a blockbuster. Greatest blockbuster I've seen since The Dark Knight or LOTR.
@@blue_ig1indeed amazing movie
A24, neon, and blumhouse have been my favorite newcomers thoughout the years
I’d throw in Shudder too
@@linkthenewheroofhyrule7491 yess, I agree
Successors to focus and oscilloscope
oooo 3 hitters!
Also M. Night Shyamalan's company Blinding Edge Pictures
Hiring a professional sound mixer is still absolutely worth it! Boom operation is an art just like cinematography, and improper lavalier application can result in throaty, scratchy, or otherwise bad sound
1,000%. We've been working for years. You picked up stuff on Amazon yesterday.
@@TeddyRumble And learn the skill just like you did. It’s not rocket science, you know.
@@carpballet You can build a house, too, by yourself. It will cost you more, take 10 times as long, and the results not as good.
I've worked on scores of films. Even a skeleton crew requires 7 people.
And viewers will forgive poor visuals. But they will never forgive bad sound.
@@TeddyRumble Everybody has a first day. Well, except you. You were born with 416 in your hand and a Sound Devices on your hip, ammirite? Lol. Audio guys…
A24 films are hit or miss for me sometimes, but I feel the urge to make sure I give their films a chance. I love being inspired by their catalog of work. Favs: Uncut Gems, The Lighthouse, Last Black Man, Men, Under the Skin, Problemista, Room, Midsommar, Good Time, The Lobster, Hereditary, Moonlight, C'Mon C'Mon, Marcel. Swiss Army Man.
Which ones didn't work for you and why?
@@deepaksrinivasmondalfor me, civil war, the Florida project, and aftersun. the movies felt too slow which made the build up weak
A Most Violent Year
They great thing about A24 films is sound is extremely important to them and they are willing to pay the rates to get the proper professionals.
Authenticity, respect for directors and their vision, allowing writers creative freedom, genuine appreciation for storytelling... Pretty simple.
Focus Features used to be the same for me. Every time I saw a new Focus Feature Film coming out, I just knew it was going to be exceptional!!!!!!!!!
I just discovered A24 a few weeks ago, not realizing I've already seen a number of their films! Needless to say, I'm obsessed. I've been watching so many of their films recently and am anything but underwhelmed. Incredible work all around. Also... *insert shock emoji here* lol
chill n they are a woke mess of a studio
incredible
@@paulwoodford1984?
Waves is so underrated!! It rocked me. And totally flew under the radar for so many people.
I hope A24 stays a privately owned company. Going public rarely results in a good product and instead is about shareholders and constantly gaining profit and taking low risks.
Movie budgets are insane. The million of dollars isn't a lot at all. Having seen sets and the amount of people involved for just one scene for example, it's easy to see why. There are so many people involved, think of just all the background extras that are hired, to get a movie up and going, that immersion and quality comes at a cost. Equipment, crew, cast, location rental, etc.
A24 has next level color grading
Apple TV stuff is by far the clearest/sharpest picture I've ever seen
apple tv is so underrated
I totally agree- with the exception of Silo S2. It’s so dark that I can barely make out what’s happening in many of the scenes.
@@heyjk6803 Haven't seen Silo yet, despite the flaws with the imagery & picture clarity is it worth watching?
@@chaaaargh Indeed & they're a huge part of the reason why
If you don’t hire a professional sound mixer for your film, don’t think that you’re saving money, because you’ll end up paying probably twice as much to fix your bad audio in post.
PLUS...we bought all of the gear, it's top stuff, because we DO NOT COMPROMISE on sound. Great sound is our goal, it is our bread and better, it is all we do.
Yet, we are not expensive.
You look at a $300 million film. On set sound mixers, boom operators, utility sound are a mere fraction of everyone else on set.
You get professional sound for pennies. Seriously.
I’m also married to a DP, and he would never ever say Sound mixer rates are crazy. I make HALF he does and I provide gear when he doesn’t. HOW are those rates crazy!?
Yes, when you consider how much gear we supply, then we're quite underpaid!
@@SoundSpeedingConsidering how important sound is, you should consider yourself lucky we go so cheap.
Sennheiser equipment is good...in the right hands.
I've worked on 60 films, laved up hundreds of actors, I've worked 20 hour days in the desert, rain, freezing temperatures, never had any complaints.
I absolutely LOVED this!! Such a great way to showcase a company and their secret sauce for success. I am usually not interested about how Hollywood cooks up their films (though I consider myself an avid movie-goer and filmmaker) but this was told in a way that captured my attention fully. Great job as always Mark!
This is not how A24 movies are shot. Mark Bone is not an industry professional he’s done 9 short films and zero A24 movies. A24 movies are high budget films that hire a 3 person sound team.
@@benchdawn saaaaalty 🤣🤣🤣
$1,000 USD a day is what you have to make 20 days a month to own an old basic 3 bed house in Hollywood. Sound Mixers rent their gear like camera operators because they aren't free. $100,000+ is what it costs for pro gear Audio or Camera to make a movie. Productions want that gear for free! Gear eventually breaks.
Finally! A sensible response to this Sennheiser shill. Does he really believe that all these movies he loves didn’t use a professional sound department? Delusional bullshit.
Sennheiser is paying him to say not to hire a sound team. Noted.
Imagine asking any self respecting producer to hold that thing. 😂
@@johnpaulgolaski5781 check out his apology - he knows he went too far
A24 films find me. I don't go looking, and yet somehow I go to pick a film to see, and lo and behold, it's an A24 film. I don't think I've ever liked one studio's work this much. A24 has become my favorite. I am such a fan. I was geeking out accidentally spotting one of its offices in London earlier this year! I saw the logo in neon yellow from a distance, and I just had to get closer to take a photo.
7:12 “Compromising on your Audio is unacceptable”
11:34 “Sound people, your prices are crazy”
When logic leaves the room.
He should have said “DPs, your prices are crazy…”
@@michaelaball3180 how about the prices for Gaffers? Or 1st ACs? Or Producers...
I just wanna remember the film Tangerine. Sean Baker pulled off the iPhone look on a feature film, and I remember him saying he invested in great sound. The sound makes the film. It gives scale and electricity. I love mt sound people!
@@dralalust yes, the Production Sound Mixer on Tangerine was using easily $60K or more of sound equipment in his sound package.
@@michaelaball3180For visuals, you need gaffer, best boys, grips, camera operators, greens, set desg, art directors, an so on. For sound on set? Boom operator, mixer, utility sound guy.
Or...one person who does it all.
Please, compare costs.
Who is charging $1800 for 1 wireless and a boom? Don’t know any sound mixer who charges that especially for a small project or doc. Maybe you are getting those rates if you burned a lot of bridges with mixers.
In Sacramento, sound mixers are often non union and they work for several hundred dollars a day.
I don’t know why you’re bashing the department that creates 50% of your film experience. The main way to make a film unwatchable is to have bad sound. Getting rid of a sound team can easily cripple a project. It just seems like a weird way to sell products for a large corporation.
What’s next, saying the DP makes too much and trying to showcase some beginner lenses?
What are your fav A24 Films?
Mid90s, Talk to Me, and Civil War
You said it,
Waves is a masterpiece, just keep in mind that it's not a super easy watch
hey mark would you recommend sennheiser mke400 to start of with ? 😱😱😱
Tough...they'e all fantastic, truly. At the moment, Aftersun, Past Lives, Hereditary, Ahhh..need to add one more...Beau is Afraid.
Damn...Saint Maude! That ending still haunts me.
Waves is hands down one of the most beautifully written films I’ve ever seen. I’m late, just viewed earlier this year, but I was in love with every bit of it.
Made it. Lol. Great video! I didn't realize how many A24 films I've actually missed till now. Gotta catch up! Thanks.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is one of the greatest films ever made.
As a father, it broke me in ways no other films could.
i have yet to see a movie better than ‘Waves’. it is my favorite movie of all time and i can’t get enough of it
Sing Sing is beautiful, thought provoking, chilling and heartfelt. It's not the type of film I would naturally gravitate towards but it's stuck with me. The story, acting and cinematography are top notch. It makes me feel better for having watched the movie even though the subject matter isn't meant to be easy.
Now I know what to practice with. A24 movies here I come. Thanks Mark.
Why attack sound department in order to get a sponsorship? A professional sound kit costs tens to thousands of dollars. They need to make a living wage as well as buy and maintain all their gear.
"A professional sound kit costs tens to thousands of dollars."
Maybe 20 years ago this was true, but not anymore.
A24 and blumhouse always put out gold.
Always dropping the gems
How can you not talk about Civil War. Damn that film was so well made and every single character did huge justice to their roles(except those two brothers, you know who).
The story, direction, cinematography and wow that scene with Jesse Plemmons, that is epic.
Every time I see an announcement for an A24 film I get excited. ⚡
Does anyone know the music from about 3:42 ??
Love this, and A24 is seriously killing it. I mean Iron Claw was a freakin masterpiece 🙌
i'm glad you made this and are giving A24 their flowers. My wife was literally saying yesterday " dude A24 makes some great films, everytime I see their logo on the screen, I know its going to be awesome. we've only watched a few from A24 but they are doing all the right things.
I hope they can maintain this standard and process for a long time to come. 😲
love the stuff you do Mark! Great video 😱
A24 does a lot of buying films that are already done. They are more like a DJ with great taste. Obviously, they have their own too and more so recently, but it's strange this goes unmentioned in videos like this.
I think what makes a24 successful is that they make their stories so captivating and artsy that you could watch it if it was a24 hour long film as well
SENNHEISER AUDIO GEAR IS AMAZING! I've been a customer for about 25 years now. I had a client who's business sold their complete line. Best line he had.
😲 As a sound professional first, I can't believe these rates... That aside, I love how film is still a place where a brand like A24 can disrupt with great storytelling. Always the best from you, Mark.
Depends on the necessary gear, but I guess a quote in the low thousands (say $1.2K or $1.4K ish) isn't unusual at all without even necessarily needing a super excessive sound package.
He's lying about sound prices to shill Sennheiser. You can surely get a quote that high but only if you're asking for a ton of gear. If he truly only wants a boom and a lav or two then no he would not be getting those quotes. Or if he's asking people to work as locals in remote areas with no travel compensation then the quotes may be that high as well. Very dishonest and kind of rude call out.
@@BluesClues2s exactly, it's completely hyperbolic misinformation
That’s £1400 for a sound guy. Holy smokes. In the UK, that’s about double a pro sound recordist.
How do you engage with A24? Make short films? Write a feature script? Board it? Shoot a scene? Write a novel version of script? Make a podcast?
There’s a lot of angles of attack. It’s quite overwhelming for even established corporate filmmakers like me, to engage and make that transition to narrative films. WIP - not easy with family and existing work commitments.
Thanks for the vid Mark. You are a true inspiration for filmmakers 🙌
UK and USA rates (not just for a Production Sound Mixer, but any sort of crew, 1st AC / Gaffer / whoever) are very different to each other! USA is simply more expensive.
@@SoundSpeeding Noted.
the sad thing is that the big studios also could have an a24-like department if they wanted to. small to mid budged movies with money they could save from the blockbusters just with a little more planing without any quality loss...
Excellent video. Better than many trade publications stories.
They're one of the few companies that actually allow their filmmakers to do their own thing. Sometimes you might not get great results because good artists aren't all good project managers, but at the very least you're going to get something interesting out of it. In the world of entertainment, especially the over-saturated one that we have now, being boring is a worse crime than being bad. That's something the big boys like Disney tend to forget sometimes.
😮😮😮
Fun video! Sometimes it's nice just to hear someone riff on something they enjoy from an informed point of view. Nice one 😊
Really enjoyed this review, great info. I've seen a few of these films but didn't realize they were from the same company, definitely going to watch more of their stuff now.
Great video. You have a new subscriber. I have noticed a lot of A24 films coming out, and it’s nice to learn why all the trailers look so good. Thanks
Is the cost of hiring crew going up or down? If everyone is making films and capable of making them, how does that affect crew positions in the overall market???
Crew salaries are pretty stable. Meaning crew is shockingly underpaid.
Sadly, everything said to support to Sennheiser gear and low budget sound IS a compromise. Most often mixers will reduce their rate to work on low budget projects, negotiation is always possible. I know because I am a production sound mixer and have often lowered my rate to work with productions to get their need met. I’m disappointed…
Exactly. I've even worked for free on student films.
They need to know and understand how important sound is.
A24 is awesome, like how you highlighted what makes them a top notch studio. Every film is worth a view. That said, I have a massive Marvel fan as well. Still beauty in those films as well, yes some misses lately. But can’t simply discredit them for no reason, millions of people get inspired by their stories, that’s greatness in itself, and something worth celebrating. So check yourself before throwing out statements like that. Cheers
United Artists Corporation - a major investor in and distributor of independently produced motion pictures in the United States. The corporation was formed in 1919 by Charlie Chaplin, the comedy star; Mary Pickford and her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, the popular film stars; and D.W. Griffith, the director who was a pioneer in the development of camera techniques. They were the leading filmmakers of their day and wanted complete freedom in producing and distributing their films. The company also handled the distribution of high-quality films made by independent producers. United Artists was the first major production company to be controlled by its artists rather than by businessmen. It also started the trend among studios to act as distributing agencies for films other than those it produced. [Encyclopedia Britannica].
Echoes a similar sentiment ?
Really nice video, loved this look into what A24 is and why there successful. I love A24 for many of the reasons you stated. Even though I may have already known of a lot of the information in this video, I think it's nice that you put it all into one video.
6:03 Did guy just make a Sennheiser spot by telling everyone to not hire a professional sound technician?
the irony is off the charts!
@markbone never worked on a professional movie set. All of his credits on IMDb are short films he’s produced.
A24 is great and the way they've taken the Blumhouse model and ran with it. The big W going down definitely helped.
If would be in A24 - I would use this as a company presentation video.
It so easy to blame sound man for charging a decent rate, and adding his gear cost. I find absolutely humiliating that this guy don’t complain - and expose - about DP or gaffer or even his own costs! It is a shame that sennheiser would sponsor guys who pretend that you can replace a soundman by a producer hand holding a directional mike. Sound man should boycott all A24 productions and let then show their sound skills and spend money looping talent’s line.Shame on ,you A24, shame on you, Sennheiser.
I don't think A24 has anything to do with this video, it's just some guy on YT. So don't blame A24 for the sound gaffe(r).
@@captainsodom7205 Did they took this video out?
I'm sure A24 is a gateway drug for many new films buffs out there 🤘
There's so much independent cinema to discover!
Awesome work! What song is that at 03:47?
I am trying to remember for the life of me
Anyone?? :(
@@jimmyzjamit’s a loop on splice
🙀 this one? Thanx man, I actually had no idea even though I’ve seen 3 of the movies they all were from the same studio. Very interesting, love your content. Thanks and all the best.
This will have to do: 🫨🫨🫨
Great video, Mark. I like how you touched on “Moonlight” being a very influential part of A24’s overall aesthetic. I totally agree. 👍🏾
The shock emoji 😂
A24 inspo film marathon starting in 3, 2, 1...
Been nothing but impressed with A24 over the years. Would love to work with them on a set one day. But the Iron Claw was great. For someone who grew up watching the Von Erichs in Dallas was part of my childhood. This movie brought it home for me about film making.
Loved the video and so accurate on so much stuff. Seems that A24 is not aiming to go more on big budget Hollywood films which I hope they don´t sell out. Also on a side note, not a fan on the Sound Guys, those comments only make our whole cinema craft undervalue. I don´t work on sound but it sad to hear when people say we only press record or only record stuff and don´t really understand the technical side of everything. You can never replace a true sound guy on set.
I love sound guys. Their work is incredible. We just can’t afford them for every shoot but good sound is a must. When there is real budget we will bring them out
When there is real budget you can make a real film !
Which movie was the red motorcycle in?
Jesse Moss was one of my professors back at SF state. Such a humble guy
A24 is a direct protest against the commercialisation of filmmaking. While Marvel is making cookie-cutter, plastic movies with no cinematic value, A24 is simply funding filmmakers they believe in. They believe in them, so they give them the money and let them do what they wish with it. That’s proper filmmaking; refusing to take risks has become the risk in itself. The best thing studios can do is let filmmakers make art they care about.
😱😱 Great video!
I have an idea. To save even more money why don't you have the sound mixer direct and produce. That way you only need a camera operator and sound mixer. Those producers overcharge anyway!
this one was super easy to watch, I enjoyed this style from you
Hey Mark. Agreed 110%. I'd like to see more A24s come on the Hollywood scene and infuse the system with quality filmmaking similar to what happened back in the early 70's. I refused to give a single penny to any big budget film especially the ridiculous superhero films or any film that blows up stuff just to impress the audience. Thanks for bringing these points up and let's search for the next mini studio with brains at the top.
Spot on man. Great video!
3:52 the director is "Robert Eggers" not "Roger Eggers"
The past few years been getting into A24 movies plus MAX buying A24 is very smart
Excellent my friend
Your video just made my day
Waves and Ladybird are incredible
what a quality video, you got talent in video editing bud.
Great analysis mate. Thanks
Mark you are The Guy. A24 is the best what a film industry got in a century. And Sennheiser is No 1 since ever.
1:55 "Boughten into that world" .. "boughton" is new to me lol
what camera do you use to shoot this?
Always love a new Mark Bone drop 😱
Let's see ..creativity, originality, talent. All things that the big studios tend to ignore.
This is the story of any passion project. It always starts awesome. Reminds me of this small hotel I and some friends of mine used to go to. They served home cooked meals. Used small sufurias, etc. The food was sweet. Healthy. Before you know it, there were ques there... Before you know it... The quality of the food went down... Before you know it, the original owners sold the business and move away. The new customers did not know just how good it was at the beginning. They have nothing to compare to.
Before it gets crowded its usually most honest and passionate. Then over the years it becomes something else. Not bad but not as raw as the early years.
Things change I guess.
I'm shocked! Great vid.
The secret is simple. Actors want to act, especially in more grounded pieces. Newer directors, although lacking experience have passion+innovation to get shots needed at that particular budget. They combined both needs to create projects more people want to see with actors who want to stay grounded with the indie vibe. (PS: I'm gonna be next!)
Interesting watching this having worked in the sound department on A24 tv & films. Hire film crew workers & pay them properly.
100% I should have qualified that the second I need more than one character mic’d I’m hiring a sound recordist
Everyone thinks they can buy a cheap mic, stick it on their camera, and sound will be awesome.
talk to me is a perfect example of letting their directors do what they’re vision implies.
Lmao self proclaimed film purists never fail to reveal how phony they are about filmmaking once the topic of sound enters the chat - idk how much that Sennheiser bag was but you are definitely getting garbage quality audio working that way you guys 💀💀
Love the subject matter, but can you please answer me this @markbone: Are you creating the look of your talking head shot with a promist filter, and some haze. I have just been curious for so long how to create this particular look for some of my interviews and any help would be so appreicated!
It's a group of people with vision and dedication.
A ghost story, lobster, midsommar, lighthouse, room, ex machina, talk to me, the killing of a sacred deer... Such unique, fresh movies.
The most wonderful thing about A24 is how it's slowly and surely hammering nails into the Marvel/DC coffin. Just one delightful nail at a time.
Great video. Thank you!
Me. I love all the Spider man films. And I agree with you about A24. It doesn't have to be either/or
8:00 Sing-Sing blurred lines
Always unique Logos!
7:10 Saturated neon
Great content! 😱👏👏👏