Mathew Waters and Danika Wikke landed on Hulu's Only Murders in the Building through different paths, but share a passion for its smart, funny world. The show stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as three crime-obsessed fans who find themselves at the center of a murder in their New York City apartment building, The Arconia. The show recently streamed its fourth season.
Waters kicked off Season 1 by crafting The Arconia's New York City soundscape, while Wikke, who came from Formosa Group, joined unexpectedly as a dialogue editor after a project delay. By Season 2, Wikke stepped into a co-supervising role alongside Waters.
"Together, we’ve shaped the show’s sound, leaning into its humor with playful vocal efforts like gasps and mutters — some even featuring our own voices as background characters," says Waters. "We rely on tools like Izotope RX, Pitch Legacy, Hush, Auto-Align Post, Dialogue Match, Slapper and Fab Filter, but our instincts and experience drive the creative mosaic of sound that brings this series to life."
The team points to Episode 401 as a highlight, where the soundscape captures a vibrant Hollywood vibe reminiscent of Do the Right Thing’s New York street corner.
"The Walla group’s off-stage voices; sound effects, like water from a hydrant hitting a car hood; and well-placed car horns and sirens; create a busy, in-your-face atmosphere, balanced by the production sound team’s crisp dialogue recording of our main trio," Waters shares. "The re-recording mixers ensure it feels hectic yet focused. As the scene shifts from a faux New York to a movie set and then to an executive meeting room, the Foley shines. Steve Martin’s awkward paper slide and chair movements amplify the uncomfortable silence. This transition showcases our team’s talent, from detailed effects to precise mixing, making it a standout moment we love for its technical complexity and storytelling impact."