Scott McConville
Location Sound Recording & Audio Post Production Services
I am a freelance production sound engineer and videographer based in Connecticut and New York City. I have over 20 years experience in professional sound recording having managed the technical departments for Masterdisk Studios, Sterling Sound, and Bob Ludwig’s Gateway Mastering. As a producer of Independent videos, I understand the challenges of working on a budget while providing high production value.
Complete Sound Production Services for Indie Film Makers and Commercial Producers
Sound from location to master
To meet these challenges, I take ownership of the sound and work to streamline the process. I’ll work with the directors and producers to determine the right-sized team and equipment for your project to get the sound you’re looking for. I can record, mic performers, and boom during production.
While on locations, I think about the needs of post-production and can record unique sound effects and Foley to save time and money. I work with the video editor to ensure proper deliverables for audio post (often a source of issues and delays). Once the picture is locked, I can edit the dialogue, SFX, Foley, ADR and music. Finally, I’ll mix and provide standards compliant master mixes.
Services
Sound Supervisor
The Supervising Sound Editor works with the Director and is responsible for all sound, managing the sound crew, and ensuring consistency and quality throughout the process. Also responsible for scheduling and meeting the budget. On Indie productions, I often do this job and cover any other roles as necessary (location sound, editing, mixing, etc.).
Location Sound Recording
Typically, on shorts and features, the boom operator and the mixer/recordist are separate roles. This allows the boom operator to concentrate on mic placement while the mixer ensures optimum recording levels of the boom, lavs, and other mics. Its also the mixers responsibility to provide audio feeds and communications to the crew. If the budget only permits a single sound person or if its documentary or “run & gun”, care must be given to ensure low noise, distortion free recording with adequate coverage for post-production. I can work with you to discuss the appropriate crew and equipment for your needs.
Dialogue Editing
Dialogue editing is essential to getting the clear, professional sound of TV and film. After the video editor has created a final locked video with a scratch audio track, I’ll evaluate the production sound tracks and organize the project. Then, I’ll go through the sound track, line by line, choosing the best take (or syllable) out of all the available takes and build the optimal dialog track. Any background noise and distortion is removed, ambiance is recreated, and the dialog is made to sound like one contiguous, realistic take.
Sound Effects Editing
SFX editing is usually handled separate from other audio tracks. A sound effect is any sound that was not recorded on location or recreated in a Foley session. Sounds recorded on location with the dialogue are rarely used as that they are often “off-mic” and underwhelming. Sound effects are often designed and created to match our hyper-realistic preconception of the what the sound should be rather than what it may actually sounds like (no one would believe a fight scene that used realistic punching sounds!). I can work with the director to “spot” all SFX requirements, and then using sfx libraries and processors, create the dedicated SFX track for the final mix.
Foley Editing
Foley effects are sound effects that are performed, such as footsteps or prop handling. Although, sound effects could be used, it is usually far more efficient and believable to record the actions while emulating the performance on screen. Indie productions often overlook this critical step believing that the sounds recorded on location will suffice. This is rarely successful as that production sounds, like footsteps, are recorded “off-mic” and do not sound realistic. Foley artists often work in dedicated studios that can strain an Indie production budget. I can record Foley tracks in my own Foley studio.
ADR Editing
Additional Dialogue Recording is the process of re-recording actors’ dialogue. It is standard on virtually all productions not recorded in a sound treated studio or set. Dialogue recorded on location is often inconsistent, with background noise constantly changing making it difficult to edit. Or sometimes, a director will prefer a particular shot, but a line must be changed. This is when ADR is used. Actors come in to the studio and watch clips of each line repeating on a loop , allowing them to recreate their dialogue. The resulting clean track can now be mixed with SFX, ambiances, and backgrounds to match the scene. Planning for ADR can simplify the need to constantly reshoot scenes because of environmental noises you can’t control. I can record ADR in my studio or remotely in any quiet location.
Sound Design
Modern sound design merges music composition with the creation of audio environments that support the story on the screen. It’s the orchestral pads, risers, impacts, hits, whooshes, motifs and themes that provide emotional impact . As a long-time musician and recording engineer, I can work with the director and editor to create sound effects and music. For larger productions, I can work with music composers to develop just the right score.
Producing
A producer on smaller projects wears a lot of hats. I define the role as doing whatever it takes to get the production made. This includes planning, scheduling, budgeting, hiring and managing the team, managing the process, and dealing with any problems that come up. As a business and project manager, I know the business tools and processes to get the job done.
My Work
I started as a musician and audio engineer in recording studios back in my high school years. Drawn to the technical aspects of production, I went to school for Electronic Technology and Audio Engineering (later I got a degree in Business Management and Information Systems). After working at recording studios, radio stations, and studio design & engineering companies, I landed my dream job at Masterdisk Studios in NYC where I got a chance to develop my tech skills (and ears). Subsequently, I helped start Gateway Mastering Studios with Bob Ludwig, where I spent over a decade working with the best in the music business.
After a stint in Seattle, working for Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen managing Audio Visual Operations, I had the opportunity to return to New York as Technical Director for Sterling Sound’s mastering and video facility.
Several years later, I started out on my own as a technical consultant for media companies and businesses. Returning to my roots, I created Whirl Entertainment and began producing my own video projects. As a life-long audio engineer, it just seemed right that I do sound production for other film-makers like me.
InsideOut
Audio Post Production & Original Score
This project was a lot of fun — got to do everything — location recording, dialogue editing, SFX & Foley engineering, and final mix. The score included environmental score and a closing credits original composition.
Lila
Location Sound
Short Film directed by Dan Torelli, written by Andrew Austin.
InsideOut
Location Sound
On location filming InsideOut with Director/Writer Michael Ferraro, Actor/AD Gui Agostini, and Director of Photography Lawton Meyer.
Hostage
Location Sound, Post Production, Music Composition
Short film in advance of a feature where I had an opportunity to do all the sound production from location to SFX and music composition. Written and staring Michael Ferraro. Directed by Steven Myth. Sound Design by Scott McConville.
Truly Truly
Location Sound
On the set of Truly Truly. Spent our nights in the woods in the Catskill mountains, in the rain, shooting this thriller/horror. This is the butchering table… (there may be some cannibals involved!). This shoot was creepy without the special effects. I am looking forward to seeing the final cut! Written and Directed by Andrew Schmidt.
Hidden Wounds
Location Sound
Had the privilege of shooting “Hidden Wounds” with Sean Higgins in Wyoming. It’s the story of three survivors that journey through their dark manifestations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. With the patience of horses and an understanding of brotherhood, they walk the steps towards healing. Hidden Wounds short film in partnership with the CHAPS Equine Assisted Therapy (Sheridan, Wyoming) serves as catalyst for conversations about Mental Wellness, PTSD, Veterans, and Trauma Survivors. Directed by Ted Schneider. Cinematography by Greg Harriott.
The scenery, cast, crew and CHAPS were awe inspiring. Please check out CHAPS website at http://www.chapswyo.org.
Piece by Piece
Dialogue, SFX, and Foley Editing
Piece by Piece is the story of three friends – couple Jehan and Sarah and their friend Dan – forced to make camp and live off the land when they get lost on a day hike. At the peak of desperation and overwhelmed by an instinct to survive, Sara and Jehan make the decision to kill their friend Dan and eat him piece by piece. Written and Directed by Sean Tracy.
No One Has To Know
Producer, Director
Andrew and Randal watch the legendary Lanie Andrews’ latest commercial. From the pilot of “Astoria” — an original production from Whirl Entertainment. Written by Lisa Roth, directed by Scott McConville. Scene stars: Chris Harbur, Nick Webster, Caitlin O’Connor, Alan Harper Finch & Lisa Roth
Italian Olive Oil
Producer, Director
Here are some video clips I shot in Italy while making olive oil. I followed the process from harvest through milling and finally – the party! These come from Whirl Entertainment’s original series “Renaissance Man” with Dom Volpini.
Ultimate Fandom
Producer, Director
Lynn Robnett gives us an inside look at the most outrageous, most passionate, most devoted fandoms in all of celebrity culture. An original production by Whirl Entertainment.
Cotton Tree Lodge Promotional
Director
This is a promotional video for Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize and their Chocolate Week tours. We had the fantastic opportunity of staying at their lodge in the jungle and following the chocolate process from harvesting Cocao in the jungle all the way through to finished chocolate bars. Check them out at www.cottontreelodge.com
Come Join the Band
Technical Director
Here’s a video shoot for a custom application I am working on for Come Join the BAND! They are a “school of rock” for kids age 6- 12. What a great organization, check out their website.
Music Mastering
Technical Director
Music Mastering is the final step in the process of making a record. Its where the the artists and producers work with specialized recording engineers to put the final touches on the music. I am honored to have to manged the technical departments of three of the best: Bob Ludwig’s Gateway Mastering, Sterling Sound, and Masterdisk. At these studios, I had the opportunity to work with the best engineers and producers in the business and meet countless artists.
Piece by Piece
Location Sound
Piece by Piece is the story of three friends – couple Jehan and Sarah and their friend Dan – forced to make camp and live off the land when they get lost on a day hike. At the peak of desperation and overwhelmed by an instinct to survive, Sara and Jehan make the decision to kill their friend Dan and eat him piece by piece. Written and Directed by Sean Tracy.
The Apple
Location Sound
Filming “The Apple” — on the coldest day of the year!. A film by Amina Kearney and Valley Creative.
Masterdisk Mastering Studios
Technical Director
I got my start at the legendary music mastering facility, Masterdisk. The studio earned hundreds of gold and platinum records for its work with artists such as Sting, Lou Reed, Phil Collins, and Madonna. I had the honor of working with mastering engineers Bob Ludwig, Howie Weinberg, Tony Dawsey, Andy Van Dette, and Scott Hull. I was responsible for all studio and system design, wiring, and equipment maintenance. Over the years I implemented the design and relocation of six studios to a new facility and designed custom audio consoles and equipment to meet high mastering standards.
Drone Cinematography
Commercial Drone Pilot
New Service! As a pilot, I love aviation and video production, so why not combine the two? I received my FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot license and started Whirl Drones LLC. We don’t need sound recording when we’re getting aerial video so seems like a good fit! More info coming …
Sonya
Location Sound
COVID tested and wearing PPE, on location shooting the short film, “Sonya”. More info coming soon!
The Compound (Back to work!)
Location Sound
COVID tested and wearing PPE, we began shooting the short film, “The Compound”. More info coming soon!
Throat
The Brothers Reidell produced and directed this fantastic horror short in conjunction with Warner Brothers and Google YouTubeSpace NY. We shot it in only two days! Also check out behind the scenes.
Good Sam
Audio Post Production
Hear I am performing g Foley footsteps for the T.J. Noel Sullivan’s film “Good Sam”.
Ronnie and Dee
Location Sound Recording, Audio Post Production
I love working on set …. Here I am attaching a Lav Mic to Caitlin O’Connor during her shoot for “Ronnie and Dee”. As an indie video producer myself, I understand the challenges of lower budget productions and can help with location recording, booming. and audio post.
Renaissance Man
“Renaissance Man” – An unscripted docu-series that follows an American who has moved to Italy to save his family’s restaurant while learning the traditions of his family and community. An original production by Whirl Entertainment.
The Handoff
Audio Post Production Editor
Just a simple exchange of funds. A short film directed/edited/written/produced by- Lawton Meyer, DP – Sean Tracy, Sound recording/mixing and mastering – Scott McConville, 1st and 2nd AC – Amina Kearney, Starring – Jay Lavoe, and Andrew Austin
Production Reel
Video Production
A collection of clips from projects I’ve worked on as director, shooter, editor, or sound designer. (Could probably use an update!)
Secrets of Old Bridge
Technical Consultant
Fire on the Moon presents “Secrets of Old Bridge”, a proof-of-concept/work-in-progress theatrical concert created and produced by Astrid Lark. I provided technical assistance for audio, visual , and lighting systems.
Gold From the Sky
Location Sound Mixer
A beautiful night in NYC while shooting Gold From the sky on rooftops.
https://www.facebook.com/goldfromthesky
Ultimate Fandom
Producer, Director
On the set of “Ultimate Fandom”, an original production of Whirl Entertainment. Produced by Scott McConville, Hosted by Lynn Robnett.
Gold From the Sky Promo
Location Sound Mixer
Gold From The Sky: A Global SciFi Web Series, coming Summer 2016.. In the year 2067, a global group of young astronomers unintentionally discover an impending catastrophic event and suddenly find themselves at odds with the Global Republic as they attempt to save the world. Written and Directed by Jason De Ford. http://www.goldfromthesky.com/
Grandpa Gene
Directory of Photography, Producer
Written and directed by Alisa Robinson. Staring Jeffrey E Milstein, Loden Soleil, and Mark Shock.
Whirl Entertainment
Founder, Technical Director
Whirl Entertainment develops and produces original scripted and non-scripted content for broadcast and web.
Co-creator and producer of scripted episodic comedies and unscripted docu-series in the genres of science, factual, food, travel and comedy. Selected as Official Artist for the New York Television Festival and a semifinalist in the History Channel’s inaugural Unscripted Development Pipeline competition
Studio Design and Construction
Technical Director
Over the years, I’ve worked on designing and/or building dozens of audio and video studios for Gateway Mastering, Sterling Sound, Masterdisk, Transparent Audio, Yamaha, NBC, plus many corporate clients. I took them from concept through acoustical and technical design, and construction.
Vulcan Inc
Audio Visual Operations Manager
Founded and led by the ideas of Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, Vulcan manages a diverse portfolio of projects and investments with a mission to “create a new kind of future”.
I managed teams that Implemented audio, video, IT, software, telephony, satellite, theater, presentation, control systems and other technology initiatives. The team and I travelled extensively throughout the world, implementing and supporting projects for estates, airplanes, yachts, stadiums, recording studios, museums, the corporate headquarters, and other properties.
I also developed and managed the in-house video production team. https://www.vulcan.com/
Early Light
Location Sound
We are beyond thrilled to be making our Premiere at the Oscar Qualifying FLICKERS RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL!
InsideOut
Video Editing
Bree Ogaldez and Alex Elijah nailing the performance in InsideOut. Directed and written by Michael Ferraro.
Making Beer at Charter Oak Brewing
Director/Producer
Shooting video and documenting the beer brewing process at Charter Oak Brewing.
Chocolate: From Tree to Bar
Producer, Director
Following the chocolate process from harvesting Cocao in the Belize jungle all the way through to finished chocolate bars. Very hot, but very fun shoot!
Astoria
Producer, Videographer, Editor
Here’s a scene I edited from the pilot of “Astoria” — an original production from Whirl Entertainment. Scene stars: Lisa McGurn, JD Scalzo, Jessica DiSalvo, Ron Barba and Sue Roth. Filmed at Brick Cafe in Astoria, NY. The video editing software of choice these days is Premiere Pro. Audio Post Production is Adobe Audition and Pro Tools.
Ronnie and Dee
Audio Pst Production, Dialogue, SFX, and Foley Editing
A great cuoe location for bloody, gurgling sound effects! This one was done with wet towels and some squishy fruit.
New York Television Festival
Official Artist
Whirl Entertainment has been selected as an Official Artist for the New York Television Festival. Whirl was selected based on the original production, Renaissance Man having been a semifinalist in the History Channel’s Unscripted Development Pipeline competition.
History selects Renaissance Man!
Producer, Creator, Director
Renaissance Man, an original production by Whirl Entertainment, has been selected as a semifinalist in the History Channel’s inaugural Unscripted Development Pipeline competition. We’re very proud that our first production has been so honored. Congratulations Dom!
Italian Cheese Making
Producer, Director
Food is a favorite subject! This is a still from a show that I shot in Italy. I followed the traditional process of making cheese from milking the sheep through making pecorino cheese, making, ricotta, and then best of all — a pasta/ricotta dinner joined by everyone I met that day!
Good Sam
Location Sound
On the set of “Good Sam” Directed by TJ Noel Sullivan.
Sterling Sound
Technical Director, Studio Manager
I directed technical and studio operations for Grammy award winning music mastering and digital media facility, Sterling Sound. WHat an experience as I got to work with clients that included all major record labels and many of the world’s top recording artists.
I was responsible for technical support of 16 music studios and 4 DVD/Video authoring suites. I managed the “Studio M8” construction project (winner of the Mix Foundation TEC Award: “Outstanding Creative Achievement – Studio Design Project).
ArtUps.org
Founder
ArtUps.org is a nonprofit organization providing the tools, online resources and communities where people come together to participate in non-commercial, creative projects called ArtUps.
Our mission is to motivate people to pursue their creative dreams and to provide the resources to overcome obstacles to creativity.
Through ArtUps, members self-organize and collaborate to make creative ideas a reality.
Transparent Cable Listening Room
Designer, Project Manager
Transparent Cable makes the world’s finest cables for audiophile and professional applications. They asked me to design and build their listening room at their HQ and R&D facility in Saco, Maine.
Womp! Bam! Boom!
Founder, Developer
Developed by Whirl Group, Womp!Bam!Boom! is a web-based application providing videos, tools and educational resources to teach music to kids. Ultimately, we want more kids to enjoy playing music and to have an opportunity to develop their talents. We offer music teachers practical structure and an inspired community, establishing an affordable solution to organizing lessons and assigning homework, while also building communities for instructors, students and parents.
Whirl Group LLC
Founder, Technical Director
Whirl Group is my technical consulting company where I provide technology solutions, software development, and project management services. Please see my company website for more information: www.WhirlGroup.com
Gateway Mastering Studios
Technical Director, Director of New Technology Development
I had the privilege of working over a decade, at Gateway Mastering Studios with the legendary mastering engineer, Bob Ludwig. The studio earned hundreds of gold and platinum records for its work with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, Paul Simon, and Eric Clapton.
As Technical Director, I was responsible for design and construction of the facility, and maintaining all audio and video equipment.
As Director of New Technology Development, I helped create and implement Surround Sound, DVD, and digital media initiatives.
http://www.gatewaymastering.com/
Equipment
Location Sound Gear
Rode & Sennheiser boom microphones
Rycote blimp & suspension system
K-tec Boompoles
2 Sennheiser G4 Wireless Systems with ME2 Lavs
2 Sennheiser G3 Wireless Systems (backup)
Omni Wireless Handheld ENG mics
Tentacle Sync Wireless timecode
8 track field recorder with timecode
6 track field recorder
Multiple 2 track recorders
Plus a whole lot of thingamajigs and whatchamacallits to handle all the challenges that come up on set.
Sound Editing
Protools
Izotope, Metric Halo, Plural Eyes plugins
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Audition
Ableton Live
Native Instruments Ultimate
SFX Libraries
Gear is ever changing. I maintain relationships with rental houses for expedient supply of any equipment needed for a production.
Gear is ever changing. I maintain relationships with rental houses for expedient supply of any equipment needed for a production.
Get in Touch
Scott@ScottMcConville.com
Message Me
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