Sound Mixer Cindy Takehara talks new award-winning film ‘Our Rose Garden’

Cindy Takehara has always been fascinated by the power of sound and its connection to human emotions and imagination. Initially, she explored this by studying music, but she soon became intrigued by the role that sound takes in filmmaking and the large part it plays in storytelling. The more she talked with filmmakers and began exploring sound designing and mixing for movies, the more she realized that this was where her passion truly lies. She wanted to tell stories; she wanted to inspire people. Now, she does just that.

“The psychoacoustic and emotional power of sound and music is fundamental in the story telling, and it can make a big impact on how the audience will perceive the story,” said Takehara.

As an award-winning and industry leading sound designer and sound mixer, Takehara spends each and every day doing what she loves. She is responsible for 50 per cent of the movie-going experience, and works hard to ensure that every single thing the audience hears is carefully crafted and aids in telling the story. This is evident with her work on countless acclaimed productions, from the hit show SusaneLand to the documentary Oh My God I Think It’s Over that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look of the award-winning series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Millions around the world have seen Takehara’s work over the past five years, and she has no plans on slowing down.

“I like that my work is an artistic work, and it’s not sorely dependent on technology and it’s not about what gears or equipment you use. Of course, you need technical skills and know how to use these tools, but this job also requires artistic sensitivity and a lot of creativity. Filmmaking is a collaborative work and as a sound designer and sound mixer, it’s a collaboration with directors and other department heads such as costume designers, prop masters, camera department and of course my own team in the sound department. It’s a team effort and I believe great teamwork makes great films, and it takes a lot of passion and dedication,” she said.

Earlier this year, audiences everywhere once again got to hear what Takehara is capable of with her work on the film Our Rose Garden. This is the story of two couples: one struggling against infidelity and the other fighting mental illness. At the end, a surprising connection will make you rethink both stories showing that true love is more than a feeling: it’s a choice that requires heroic forgiveness and fidelity. Takehara knew from the moment she first read the script that she wanted to be a part of it.

“Although the film talks about serious topics such as infidelity in marriage and mental illness, there were also a few comical scenes and a few salsa dancing scenes which are delightful to watch. The message of the film is important: love never fails. There are some heart-wrenching moments in the movie, and sometimes we don’t like to talk about these topics, or it won’t get picked by Hollywood blockbusters, but these issues are real issues that happen in families. I think it’s important to open a discussion about it and to end the stigma around mental illness and the real courage and work that it takes to save a marriage from the effects of infidelity. The overall message is a very positive and strong one and I hope it resonates with families who are struggling with these issues,” she said.

Takehara was the sound designer and re-recording mixer on the project. The role required strong work ethic and a creative and inclusive approach to storytelling, coupled with best-in-class technical and sound editing/mixing skills. It was her duty to ensure the film achieved the highest level of technical and aesthetic quality.

Her work proved fruitful, as Our Rose Garden has received many awards and has been selected for countless film festivals. It took home Best Original Dramatic Short at WorldFest Houston and Best Faith Film at Long Beach Indie Film Festival. It was also an Honorable Mention at the International Christian Film Festival and won Best Writer at Great Lakes Christian Film Festival.

The film was recently acquired by the distribution company Bridgestone Multimedia Group. Takehara was in charge of providing the necessary assets for the distribution company Bridgestone Multimedia Group. The film was mixed for theatrical release, so it was required to be a mix for surround 5.1 system. The distribution company requested to deliver the audio assets to their specification and also to reach the standard implemented by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (known as ATSC A/85). It is of the utmost importance for industry professionals like Takehara to stay up-to-date on the techniques for establishing and maintaining audio loudness and to know how to use the right gears and technology to accomplish this, and she was pleased to make such important contributions to the film’s ongoing success.

Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for Our Rose Garden, which will soon be available to audiences everywhere.