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Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019): Cast & Ratings

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019) movie poster

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound is a 2019 documentary starring Ben Burtt, Anna Behlmer and Bobbi Banks. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $63,998 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Studio or Independent – Drama at the Artios Awards 2020. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$64K
award nomination
1
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Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound About?

The premise of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

"Making Waves" explores the crucial and often overlooked art of cinematic sound. The documentary reveals the innovative collaborations between filmmakers and sound designers, showcasing how sound transforms the moviegoing experience. Through insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the film examines the creative process of crafting immersive soundscapes that enhance storytelling and evoke emotion.

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Themes & Keywords

· 24 tags
  • sound recording
  • cinema history
  • filmmaking
  • sound editor
  • sound effect
  • new hollywood
  • tape recorder
  • independent director
  • stereo sound
  • sound mixing
  • film director
  • interview
+12 more
  • 1970s
  • cinema
  • surround sound
  • foley artist
  • adr
  • entertainment documentary
  • sound
  • cinema sound
  • f rated
  • film history
  • sound in the movies
  • hollywood history
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Cast & crew

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Cast

Ben Burtt leads the cast, with Anna Behlmer and Bobbi Banks.

Also Starring in Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound

· 5 more
Ratings

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in sensory experience (95) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

82 /100

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Echo Score Breakdown

Making Waves offers a thorough and engaging survey of cinematic sound that balances educational depth with accessible pacing. The documentary’s concise structure and interview-driven narrative highlight the contributions of sound designers and mixers without feeling excessively technical. Its brisk 94-minute runtime maintains momentum through measured pacing and varied illustrative graphics. While some viewers may wish for deeper coverage of specific figures, the film’s clear organization and enthusiastic tone deliver a well-rounded overview. Overall, it succeeds as an insightful primer on film sound.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Making Waves demonstrates a confident directorial approach and crisp editing that maintains clarity throughout. Midge Costin’s debut is marked by streamlined transitions between interviews and archival footage, lending cohesion to the film’s instructional aims. The production design is understated but effective, focusing on illustrative graphics rather than elaborate staging. Overall, the documentary’s technical execution supports its educational objectives without overshadowing the subject matter.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    In terms of character and emotion, the film relies on interviews with veteran sound professionals to convey personal investment in the craft. These conversations provide a respectful sense of camaraderie and occasional emotional insight into the labor behind the scenes. While individual narratives are concise, they collectively underscore the dedication and creativity of the interviewees. Overall, the documentary establishes a consistent tone of homage without delving into dramatic biography.

  • Story & Flow 80

    When it comes to story and flow, the documentary offers a clear thematic structure that guides viewers through the evolution of film sound. The pacing remains brisk, balancing technical exposition with illustrative examples to sustain engagement. Although the narrative does not present a conventional plot, it achieves coherence through logical progression of topics. Overall, the measured organization and focused sequencing deliver an informative yet accessible journey.

  • Sensory Experience 95

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels in showcasing the art of sound design and mixing through vivid audio examples and clear demonstrations. The soundtrack is presented with precision, allowing the audience to perceive distinct Foley effects and mixing layers. Visual elements, including on-screen graphics, reinforce the auditory focus without distraction. Overall, the documentary’s sound-driven presentation effectively immerses viewers in the technical artistry of cinematic audio.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When considering rewatch factor, Making Waves offers solid informative value but limited appeal for repeated viewings. Its concise format and focused scope deliver clarity on first watch, yet the lack of narrative surprises or in-depth case studies may lessen subsequent engagement. Viewers seeking fresh insights on repeat viewings may find fewer discoveries. Overall, the film’s lasting appeal stems more from its educational function than a desire to revisit.

Plot

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Plot Summary

What happens in Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Directed by the renowned Hollywood sound editor Midge Costin, the highly praised and award-winning Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound takes viewers on a captivating journey behind the scenes of cinema. It uncovers the invisible power of sound and introduces us to the often-overlooked heroes who meticulously craft it. The film dives deep into the creative brilliance of sound designers and features insights from some of the film industry’s most iconic directors.

Full summary

The whole story of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Box Office

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound grossed $63,998 worldwide. $53,144 came from the US and Canada and $10,854 (17%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$64K

US & Canada
$53.1K
International
$10.9K
US & Canada 83% Rest of the world 17%
Awards

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Awards & Nominations

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound earned 1 award nomination, including Studio or Independent – Drama at the Artios Awards 2020.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the veteran sound editor that leads the documentary?

Details

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Ääniaalloilla – elokuvien äänisuunnittelun taide” and “Robiąc szum, czyli o dźwięku w filmie”.

Also known as
  • Ääniaalloilla – elokuvien äänisuunnittelun taide
  • Robiąc szum, czyli o dźwięku w filmie
  • Wywołując fale: sztuka dźwięku w filmie
  • Konsten att skapa ett soundtrack – film, ljud och musik
  • Making Waves: A Arte do Som Cinematográfico
  • 메이킹 웨이브: 영화 사운드의 예술
  • Игра с вълните: изкуството на звука в киното
  • По волнам: искусство звука в кино
  • 制作音效:电影声音的艺术
  • La magia del sonido en el cine
  • 電影音效傳奇:好萊塢之聲
  • Making waves : la magie du son au cinéma
+3 more
  • ようこそ映画音響の世界へ
  • As Ondas Sonoras
  • Hullámlovasok: A filmhang művészete

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FAQ

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound released?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound was released on October 25, 2019.

Who is in the cast of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound stars Ben Burtt, Anna Behlmer and Bobbi Banks, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound make at the box office?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound grossed $63,998 worldwide ($53,144 domestic, $10,854 international).

How is Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound rated?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Was Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound nominated for any awards?

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound have a post-credit scene?

No. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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