Q&A: Media Production alums work on Netflix's Emmy-nominated 'Arcane' series

Brad and Shannon Beaumont met while studying Media Production at UC's College-Conservatory of Music in the early 2000s. After they graduated with their BFAs in 2003, the couple moved across the county to Los Angeles to pursue their careers in media. 

Brad: I served as the Co-Supervising Sound Editor and Sound Designer on the show. I was responsible for ensuring that all portions of the show's sound were executed on time, on budget and met the very high quality bar that we set for ourselves. This included overseeing the sound design and editorial, foley, dialog and ADR, final re-recording mix, and working closely with our composers and music team to ensure tight collaboration with the sound team. I also worked closely with our localization and foreign dubbing partners to ensure that audiences around the world were treated to a high-quality sound experience in their native languages. Additionally, as a principal sound designer on the show, I was responsible for developing a portion of the conceptual sound FX libraries for the season. This involved identifying the sound FX that we would need to develop and design for each episode, and then dreaming up crazy ways to bring them to life through field recording, synthesis and all kinds of crazy sound manipulation.

Shannon: For season one, I served as the ADR Supervisor and Dialog/ADR Editor. After the animation for an episode was complete, my job was to take the dialog that was recorded prior to animation, and ensure the best possible lip sync and performance for each line of a character's dialog. I would then identify opportunities to augment their performances, then work with the actors to enhance the dialog track through the ADR process. This involves each actor watching their newly animated characters, performing and recording all of the subtle and nuanced breaths and non-verbal elements, as well as having a lot of fun recording big fight reactions and vocalizations. Additionally, for scenes that required us to craft the sounds and voices of crowds, audiences or groups of people, I would work with a loop or walla group to record those scenarios to picture, adding a ton of life and character to scenes through those performances.

Brad: This was actually my first television project! Prior to working on this show, I served in numerous positions within Riot Games including my role as the audio director for "League of Legends" prior to joining the "Arcane" team in 2019. Before coming to Riot in 2013, I worked for nine years at Soundelux DMG in Hollywood where I was fortunate to have worked as a sound designer with a ton of amazing game developers. Some standout projects from my Soundelux days would have to be "Alan Wake", the "Fable" and "Gears of War" franchises, as well as "Bayonetta 1 & 2".

Shannon: This is the first animated series that I have worked on, though I've been really fortunate to have an incredibly fun and rewarding career in TV sound over the past 19 years. I've worked on dialog and ADR for a bunch of really great projects over the years, but some standouts for me would probably have to be "Mr. Robot," "Arrested Development," and "NCIS-LA."

Brad: I have a lot of fond memories of my time in the Media Production program! Outside of the always fun and challenging project work for each class, I would have to say that working as an office assistant in the Media Production department was a highlight. Getting regular facetime with the faculty, and being able to help fellow classmates with administrative tasks allowed me to get to know a ton of folks in our little corner of CCM.

Shannon: I'd say that there were tons of great memories from my time at CCM, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be all of the audio production classes. Those classes were so great for introducing me to and letting me get my hands on gear that would lay the foundation for so many parts of my career.

Brad: Be genuine and kind to everyone with whom you work — be someone that makes a positive impact on your team's culture. Also, I'll cheat a little and borrow a point from Riot Games' company values because I love it and it's constantly in the back of my mind: "Stay Hungry, Stay Humble." 

Shannon: I echo Brad's points about treating people right and building relationships with your peers. Also, don't panic if you find yourself feeling uncomfortable in a new role or a new job; that means you are growing and challenging yourself! It's always good to maintain a healthy amount of uncertainty in your career, it really helps to keep you on your toes!

Formerly known as Electronic Media, CCM’s Media Production Division emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that is student-centered, professionally relevant and focused on creative development.

CCM’s BFA program in Media Production is designed for students who wish to produce media rather than simply consume it. The program provides students with the skills necessary to tell stories and produce impactful media content. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical and applied foundation necessary for successful careers in filmmaking and digital cinema, television production, broadcast news and talent development, interactive and new media, social media, audio and video production and sports media.

CCM also offers an academic minor in Media Production.