OSCAR-WINNING SOUND DESIGNER, MR. RESUL POOKUTTY, REVEALED HOW GREAT SOUND DESIGN CAN TURN A MOVIE FROM BEING GOOD TO GREAT AT THE 5TH VEDA CULTURAL HUB AT WHISTLING WOODS INTERNATIONAL
Whistling Woods International (WWI) recently celebrated a thrilling 5th Veda session by hosting Academy Award-winning sound designer, sound editor, and audio mixer, Mr. Resul Pookutty. In the midst of a full auditorium comprising of 500 students at Asia’s premier film, communication, and creative arts institute, the guest engaged the eager listeners on the role that sound plays in shaping a film. In addition to students and faculty members, the event also saw the attendance of Mr. Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman, WWI, and Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri, President.
The event began with a fascinating AV on the evolution of art of sound designing over the ages, and the role played by sound artistry in various fields. In the wake of this, Mr. Subhash Ghai took to the stage to welcome the Oscar-winner guest, saying, “Audio plays a key role in turning good films into great ones. While the story may be important, audio holds the supreme power.” As he concluded, “Sound is divine, it comes from the soul.”
With this introduction, Mr. Resul Pookutty took to the stage. He began the session by complimenting the students in attendance for their decision to pursue a career in the field of media & entertainment. “Consider yourself special for being part of a film school, where you can study the art and craft of filmmaking and be a part of the whole story telling process.”
Mr. Subhash Ghai then took the interaction forward by asking Mr. Resul Pookutty how he first thought of being part of this indusry. “I never planned it,” was the prompt reply. “During my initial days in college, my friends told me about a course at a film and television institute called Sound Recording. While I was rejected during the admission process, but that failure helped me discover my interest towards cinema and made me realise this is what I wanted to do.”
During the course of the session, movies clips from ‘Black’, ‘Highway’, and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ were showcased, with the guest narrating his experience on each film. When asked for his advice on creating impactful sound design for a movie, Mr. Resul Pookutty shared a few key tips – reading the script, collaborating with the director, and incorporating sounds captured on location during filming.
Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri subsequently presented Mr. Resul Pookutty with a token of appreciation, and the students showcased their gratitude with a roar of applause that resounded across the auditorium.