Let's hear from one of our long time supporters. Pete what made you expand from the music industry to work in our industry?
I got into the industry in the late 1970s, early 80s. During this time I was mixing live shows for punk bands. Then I had some studio experience with the SAFC and Street Remley Studios. Remley’s gave me a tremendous grounding and creative knowledge in sound, casting, directing and production. It was also here I met Cinematographers Mark Evans, Ernie Clark ACS and others, and I started working more on TV soundtracks.

What attracted you to the ACS?
I’ve always been a sponsor of the ACS, for around 30 years now. I was attracted to connecting with picture people, especially those who know that a great soundtrack means your pictures will shine (that may get a few people scoffing…but good directors know it’s true). The ACS has always felt more relaxed and a little whacky some times than some other clubs.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
You can paint pictures with sound that moves individuals in a very personal way!

What is a common blunder that film creators make?
Mmmm…… there are many, but what comes to my noggin is, thinking you know it all! If you work with good people and keep a strong bond with all crew, then it follows the best outcome will occur.

Are there special tricks you've learned over the years?
I’ve learnt a massive amount over the years. Having come from the analog world into the digital age most of the tricks are still from that older era. The best trick in sound is to ‘listen’ …… Pretty obvious when you think about it! Also I think you need to have fun and believe in your own creative skills.

What’s your proudest moment so far?
I’d say building the one and only privately owned Dolby approved Mixing theatre in SA would have to be up there.

Pete with studio dog Asha in his Dolby approved Mixing theatre

Have you won any awards along the way?
In my radio production days we used to clean-up in the local & national awards with internationals not far behind. The ideas, writing and production was amazing. Over the years at Best FX I’ve been lucky enough to pick up a few ACCTAs, ASSG and SASAs for film soundtracks and a bunch of local and national TV & Radio awards for sound production. Awards are nice but not the first thing I’d be thinking about when working on a project.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m getting really good at brewing beer, keeping bees and making bread!  Oh yeah….. I used to be a plumber in those punk mixing years.

Have you any advice for young people getting started in this job?
 Get to know the industry and its people. Work for free (unfortunately) for experience and listen. Being a soundy, it’s important to talk to Cinematographers and grasp their motivation. They are telling the same story but with those picture thingies…… Make mistakes and definitely get to know and understand the emotion of sound and how it can work with Cinematography.

If your intent is to make audiences feel sad, annoyed, pain, cheerful, scare the hell out of them or any other emotion, you have a strong partner in sound. It’s a bit like creating different moods with lighting for pictures, but you're using music, effects, atmos & dialogue with sound. Pic is Best FX reception area.

Thanks Pete, wise words! The ACS SA branch really appreciates your Sponsorship over so many, many years. For those who don’t know, Pete’s company Best FX has recorded the V/O and mixed the tracks for our Awards compile forever! Without support from companies like Best FX and Kojo it would be impossible for us to have such professional presentations at our Awards nights. Why not check out the BestFX website.