Celebrating the Art of Sonic Storytelling
The Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) is a non-profit honorary society, not a labor union. Its mission is to educate, raise awareness, and celebrate the immense artistic contribution of the sound editing profession. Membership in the MPSE is extended to professional sound and music editors based on their experience and body of work, making it a mark of distinction within the post-production community. The organization is dedicated to promoting the craft of creating the complete sonic world of a film—a complex process that includes dialogue editing, creating sound effects and atmospheres, foley artistry, and music editing.
The Golden Reel Awards
The most prominent public activity of the MPSE is the annual Golden Reel Awards. This prestigious event is considered the premier awards ceremony for the sound editing community. Voted on by the society’s members, the Golden Reel Awards recognize outstanding achievement in sound editing across a wide range of categories for feature films, television, animation, documentaries, and video games. Winning a Golden Reel is one of the highest honors a sound editor can receive, as it represents recognition for their artistry from their peers. The awards serve as a crucial platform for highlighting the often-overlooked but vital role that sound plays in emotional and narrative storytelling in cinema.
Distinguishing the Craft
The MPSE helps to promote understanding of the specific and highly creative work of its members. Sound editors are responsible for assembling, creating, and sweetening every sound element the audience hears, with the exception of the original production dialogue. This includes:
- Dialogue Editing: Cleaning up and synchronizing all spoken words.
- Sound Effects (SFX): Creating and adding sounds like explosions, vehicles, and technology.
- Foley: Performing and recording custom sound effects that are synchronized to the picture, such as footsteps or cloth movement.
- Ambience: Building the background soundscapes that create a sense of place.