We are back with another Geektown Behind The Scenes Podcast, and this week Dave is chatting with the sound team behind Apple TV+’s epic WW II drama ‘Masters Of The Air’ – Supervising Sound Editor, Jack Whittaker, and Re-Recording Mixers/Co-Supervising Sound Editors Duncan McRae and Michael Minkler.
‘Masters Of The Air’ stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner, and follows the incredible true story of the 100th Bomb Group, a B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber unit in the US Eighth Air Force, based in England during World War II. It is the third series from the creative team behind both ‘Band Of Brothers’ and ‘The Pacific’.
In the epic drama, Jack’s expertise as a Supervising Sound Editor ensures that every auditory detail, from the roar of engines to the subtle nuances of dialogue, contributes to the immersive storytelling experience. He collaborates with Re-Recording Mixers Michael & Duncan, whose mastery lies in blending and enhancing different audio elements, the sound team meticulously crafts a sonic landscape that transports viewers into the heart of World War II aviation.
Their work goes beyond mere technicality – it becomes a narrative force. The rumble of engines becomes a heartbeat, the soaring planes echo the bravery of young pilots, and the silence between explosions creates tension that underscores the gravity of their missions. Through their artistry, the sound team adds layers of emotion, suspense, and authenticity, enriching the narrative and ensuring that the audience feels the intensity of the story on a visceral level.
Jack Whittaker’s previous work includes films such as Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi’, Ryan Reynolds ‘Free Guy’, and the Oscar-winning short ‘War Is Over!’. Duncan McRae also worked on ‘War Is Over!’, along with the films ‘One Night in Miami’, ‘Hamilton’, and ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’. Michael Minkler’s extensive CV includes ‘The Pacific’, ‘Elvis’ (also starring Austin Butler), Tom Hanks film ‘Greyhound’, plus ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’, ‘Mamma Mia!’, ‘Dreamgirls’, and even goes back to ’Star Wars: A New Hope’.
If you’ve yet to catch ‘Masters Of The Air’ the entire series is available now on Apple TV+ worldwide.
