The Sound of The Favourite with Johnnie Burn
Johnnie Burn is an English sound designer, re-recording mixer, and supervising sound editor, and founder of Wave Studios London, Amsterdam, and New York. Johnnie has collaborated with Yorgos Lanthimos on THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, THE LOBSTER and the recently released THE FAVOURITE. In this video he gives a behind the scenes look into the sound design of THE FAVOURITE and how they created the mood of Queen Anne’s court.
One of the aspects that makes the sound unique on this film is that there is no composer. The sound effects that match the actions you see on screen are there to help tell the narrative and create emotion - from the change of tone and pace in the footsteps to the fire crackling, wind noises and even the sounds made by the rabbits. Each sound is meant to convey the mood of the palace at any given time. In this video, Johnnie explains how the atmospheric and authentic sounds were treated to come across as music.
MOVIE STUDIO
Fox Searchlight Pictures
SOUND STUDIO
Wave Studios, Screen Scene, Goldcrest
DIRECTOR
Yorgos Lanthimos
Synopsis
In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.