A primary force behind the New York underground film movement known as “No Wave Cinema” called on the team at HOBO Audio to complete sound for his new film – just in time for its world premiere at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.

Producer & Director Amos Poe composed La Commedia in three sequences from 20,000 animated still images, creating a modern re-imagination of Dante’s Divine Comedy as influenced by the early 19th century film The Horse in Motion.

Over three days, HOBO mixer Julienne Guffain teamed with Poe, sound designer JR Skola and editor Ben Bindra as they assembled the voice tracks, sound effects and a variety of music tracks for each of the three sequences.  Additional mixing duties were handled by Chris Stangroom.

For the readings of Dante’s verses, Poe cast Roberto Benigni (Paradiso), Alfonso Santagata (Inferno) and Sandro Lombardi (Purgatorio).  Poe wished for the soundtrack to convey Dante’s original emotional intentions for each distinct book.  For example, the aquatic theme of Purgatorio demanded an underwater, sinking sensation to contrast with the relief of Paradiso‘s uplifting  celestial feel and Benigni read.

“We were thrilled to collaborate with Amos Poe and his team on such a cool project,” says Guffain.  “We were really proud of the final work of art and we hope it is well received at the Festival.”

Los Angeles-based TV production company Creative Differences asked HOBO to record New York-based Fisher Stevens, Academy Award-winning producer of The Cove.  Chris Stangroom has been hosting the prolific writer/director/actor in Studio A over the past few weeks and they laid down narration for the company’s new show, Blood Dolphins, while company executives listened in from the west coast.  The 3-part miniseries airs on Animal Planet, Friday August 27th, prior to the network’s Sunday-night premiere of the renowned documentary.

Alright, we’ll admit it: when our friends at Silver Plume Productions called us to mix their new TLC series, Chainsaw Ice Sculptors: Challenge Alaska, we winced a little.  Not that HOBO has a fear of chainsaws per se, but it is hard to imagine someone slicing through a massive slab of ice without…slipping.  Right?

Somehow engineer Chris Stangroom held on and braved the suspenseful coverage: six days of giant chainsaws making their way through 50,000 pounds of ice in sub-zero weather.

As Editor Matt Linell uploaded each act from the west coast, Chris felt the action intensify, but wouldn’t know the ultimate outcome of the competition until he received the final act to work on.  From crafting sound design for the main title sequence, to sweetening and enhancing dramatic moments throughout the show, to completing the final mix, Chris carved his own mark on the dramatic series.

The action took place at the World Ice Art Championships, which every February draws the best ice sculptors to Fairbanks, Alaska.  The result:  jaw dropping 50-foot ice sculptures so ethereal, they take your breath away.

Check it out – Chainsaw Ice Sculptors: Challenge Alaska.

Tonight, Mon August 23rd, 10PM EST on TLC!

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