Sound effects construct movies' stories

Sound designer and independent filmmaker Kelley Baker lectured at UNC Asheville to give insight on the entertainment industry, discuss the technical aspects of sound and promote hope in those aspiring for a career in film.

Baker worked in Los Angeles and Portland earlier in his career, working in sound design with different film projects and clay-mation. He wrote and directed eight short films, three feature lengths and multiple documentaries.

Baker collaborated with Gus Van Sant, known for directing popular films "Good Will Hunting" and "My Own Private Idaho." The dramatic, religious experience sound of Matt Damon's fight scene in "Good Will Hunting" exemplifies Baker's sound design work.

Despite his work in popular film, some projects prove to be too time consuming.

"There are some films that will never be on my resume," Baker said, describing the perks and problems of past film projects. "Don't talk to me about 'Miami Vice.'"

Sound design includes the technical aspect, such as balancing the background noise with the dialogue. Baker also involves a creative aspect, such as using the sound to mirror what is happening in the scene.

"I don't look at sound like a sound person might," Baker said. "I look at how I can help tell the story."

Baker uses the effects and sounds from a noise library to create the right feel for a specific scene, like a panic attack or a heartwarming moment. He uses sound effects like cattle stampeding, military marching, hymns, cash registers and one he sneaks into every film - an elk braying.

"He offered some amazing insight into the personal process that he goes through when thinking of sound," said Rachel Fisher, a film student at UNCA. "It's such a fascinating concept: how nothing is what it seems to be but resembles it so well. I guess he is the master of audio illusion."

Baker's film "Kicking Bird" attracted large audiences. When the film was released, Baker's Web site received so many hits, it crashed. The plot is about a character down on his luck that turns to running as his escape. Baker distributed the film to runners' magazines when film festivals would not take it. Film festivals invited "Kicking Bird" after it became popular among viewers.

Baker gave a few of his tips on how to shoot for less: the best month for shooting is during January; the best days of the week are Wednesday through Sunday; and borrow equipment as frequently as possible, as opposed to buying.

"Cameras are the easiest things to borrow. Don't spend your money on a camera, everyone has a camera," Baker said. "Don't ask, don't get."

Baker chose not to let distributing deals take control of his work; he does all of the distributing himself now. He recited a familiar scenario on the independent movie scene: the films become popular but lack the necessary votes to win an award. Then distribution deals can make the work untouchable for up to seven years.

Despite the stress of cinematography, the benefits of the creative process far outweigh the negatives, according to Baker.

"I love my life, and I love what I do," Baker said at the end of his lecture. "It's like I've always said: I believe in independent filmmaking."

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