SANTA MONICA, CA - Peter Rincon of POP Sound (www.popsound.com) recently prepared a 5.1 surround sound mix for a cinema spot launching EA Games’ new video game, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Wieden & Kennedy, Portland created the ad, which is being shown in movie theaters nationwide prior to screenings of the new film of the same name.
The commercial has the form and production value of a movie trailer and features actor Michael Gambon reprising his film role as Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore. Appearing in his office at the school, Gambon offers the audience a quick magic lesson in a way that mimics the game play.
Sound elements include a lush orchestral score based on the movie’s soundtrack, Gambon’s narration, and richly textured sound design that supports the flourishes of magic wands, fire-breathing dragons and other story elements.
“The spot is well conceived and beautifully edited,” says Rincon. “The story is so packed, it feels like a :60, although it is just :30 long.”
Balancing all of the sound elements and placing them within the 5.1 sound environment was a challenge. “We wanted it to have an epic quality,” notes Rincon. “We wanted audiences to experience the sweep of the music, the thrilling, magical action, and the fun of Michael Gambon’s voiceover.”
Rincon mixed the spot using his Digidesign ProTools|HD system.