Wavelinksounds - Stephanie RAmirez
Pair of Aces
Sound Design|Dialogue Editor|Mixer
Set in the smoky interiors of a 1960’s noir drama, this film’s atmosphere hinged on authenticity and mood. My goal was to bring the audience into a world of tense exchanges, quiet betrayals, and charged silences where every word, pause, and breath carried weight. Dialogue wasn’t just a means of delivering lines; it was the lifeblood of the story. The timbre of each voice, the pacing of conversations, and the natural rhythm of speech were all treated as essential elements in recreating the gritty, cinematic feel of the era.To achieve this, I began by organizing all dialogue files by character and scene, creating a clear structure for the editing process. Each ADR recording was carefully reviewed, selecting the best takes for tone, delivery, and emotional authenticity. I manually synced each word to the actor’s on-screen lip movements, ensuring a seamless match between performance and visuals. Using precise splicing, I stitched together multiple takes when needed, then consolidated these edits into clean, continuous audio tracks. This approach allowed the dialogue to flow naturally, giving the impression of a single, uninterrupted performance. Careful attention to spatial relation, pacing, and subtle crossfades ensured that every conversation felt organic and believable, supporting the tension and intimacy that define noir storytelling.
Sintel
Sound Redesign|Mixer
Sintel’s universe is visually stunning, unfolding across a variety of breathtaking environments and turbulent climates. To capture that sense of immersion, I used a layered approach, stacking multiple wind swirls, gusts, and low-frequency rumbles to build a three-dimensional soundscape. These layers worked together to pull the audience into the freezing conditions of the character, making them feel the bite of the cold and the weight of the journey.Beyond environmental sound, I focused on amplifying the emotional undercurrent of each scene. The shifting landscapes became more than just a backdrop; they were active participants in the storytelling. With no dialogue to guide the audience, every sonic choice was crafted to make them not only watch the journey, but inhabit it. The whistle of the wind, the rumble of a snowstorm, and the stillness of the air all mirrored the character’s internal struggles. Throughout my processing, I used EQs, filters and reverb to shape the sense of isolation and danger, while subtly signaling desperation and the fleeting moments of hope.
POD
Sound Redesign|Foley Artist|ADR|Voice Actor
For this trailer redesign project, I collaborated with a team of audio engineers to reimagine the soundtrack from the ground up. We gathered a wide variety of materials including cloth, wood, foil, and much more, to create authentic textures for Foley and effects. To replace the dialogue, we recorded our own voices using ADR techniques, carefully syncing performances to picture. One of the most fun parts of the process was capturing field recordings for the screams, which brought a raw and visceral energy to the final mix.Beyond the technical work, this project was an important personal milestone. It pushed me to step outside of my social comfort zone, work closely with others, and find my voice within a creative team. I left with not only a stronger understanding of sound design, but also a deeper appreciation for the collaboration that drives powerful audio storytelling.

Stephanie RamirezSound Designer, Mixing Engineer, and Dialogue Editor
My sound design approach begins by studying the visuals of my project without ever hearing it's original audio. I immerse myself into the on-screen universe as if experiencing it in first person; imagining every texture, movement, and atmosphere. From there, I create a sound development roadmap, noting not only what I saw, but what I would physically hear and feel if I were the main character.Once the roadmap is created, I begin organizing my sound files into my project session, grouping them by categories. I prefer to work scene by scene, focusing on one section at a time to give each moment my full attention. I use a checkerboard layout on my channels for a clear visual cue of scene transitions. The checker board method keeps my workflow organized, helps me navigate quickly, and reduces eye fatigue during long editing sessions. This structure allows me to stay creative while maintaining efficiency throughout the project.By following this structured yet immersive approach, I am able to design a soundscape that feels fully integrated with the project's visual storytelling. Every choice - from subtle ambient textures to bold, emotional cues, guided by the perspective of living inside the scene, results in an audio experience that not only supports the animation’s pacing and tone, but also invites the audience to step into the world and feel part of its journey.
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