Sound Designer Tu Duu-chih Unveils Secrets of Cinematic Sound Design in Hong Kong Masterclass

In a highly anticipated event ahead of the 18th Asian Film Awards, legendary Taiwanese sound design maestro Tu Duu-chih, a recipient of the prestigious Cannes Technical Grand Prize, shared invaluable insights into his craft during a groundbreaking masterclass in Hong Kong.

Organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with vital support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, the session was expertly moderated by Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI) Chairman Arthur Chu. The event drew a distinguished audience, including acclaimed figures like renowned Hong Kong art director Man Lim Chung, celebrated director Ann Hui, and esteemed actor Lee Kang-Sheng, alongside a diverse group of film enthusiasts and professionals eager to learn from a master.

Tu Duu-chih stands as a towering figure in Chinese-language film sound, boasting an impressive track record that includes six Asian Film Awards nominations with three wins, most recently securing the Best Sound Award for "Stranger Eyes" at this year's 18th Asian Film Awards. His profound influence is further cemented by his remarkable 44 nominations and 13 Best Sound Awards at the Golden Horse Awards, solidifying his unparalleled impact on the field.

The Art of Listening: Sound Beyond Background

During the immersive masterclass, Tu delved deep into his creative process, illustrating how audio design profoundly elevates a film's emotional depth. Showcasing compelling clips from iconic films such as "The Great Buddha+", "Stranger Eyes", and "Old Fox", he passionately articulated that sound is far more than mere background noise. Instead, he emphasized its crucial role in intimately revealing a character's inner world, meticulously shaping the film's atmosphere, and dynamically propelling the narrative forward.

Crafting Tension: A Car Wash Revelation

Tu illuminated his approach by recounting specific technical challenges and the creative solutions that defined his process. He detailed a pivotal scene from "The Great Buddha+" set in an unassuming car wash. "The scene takes place in a very ordinary car wash, with only one person there. Suddenly, an unexpected guest arrives—the one person he least wants to see," Tu explained. The initial recording of a simple knock on the door lacked the necessary dramatic weight. To rectify this, Tu's team creatively replaced the sound of the original door with a metal one, producing a louder, more menacing clang that instantly heightened the tension.

Further refining the sonic landscape, Tu realized more was needed for complete realism and psychological impact. "That change wasn't enough. We needed additional effects," he noted. He ingeniously incorporated the distinct sound of a large exhaust fan, typical of car washes, layered with deep bass frequencies. These carefully chosen additions not only intensified the scene's atmosphere but also subtly generated a palpable psychological pressure for the audience. Tu elaborated that these low-frequency sounds are instrumental in helping viewers connect viscerally with a character’s emotional turmoil, thereby deepening the scene's inherent tension.

The Nuance of Perception: Hearing the Unseen

Delving into the intricacies of human auditory perception, Tu shared a fascinating insight: "Humans have an incredibly keen sense of hearing, allowing us to discern speed, weight, and even the size of objects based on sound." He further elaborated, "Even if we don’t visually recognize something, once we hear its sound, we can immediately identify it and sense its physical characteristics." This profound understanding underpins his meticulous approach to every sound element.

He then offered another unique challenge from "The Great Buddha+," this time involving a Buddha statue. "It was nearly impossible to find an actual Buddha statue to record the sound," Tu revealed. His innovative solution involved using a gasoline drum to simulate the effect. "By striking it and slowing the recording, we replicated the deep, heavy resonance of a Buddha statue," he explained, demonstrating his ingenuity in achieving desired sonic textures.

Enhancing Emotion: The Layers of "Stranger Eyes"

Tu also provided a captivating look into his work on the award-winning "Stranger Eyes," which earned him the Best Sound Award at the 18th Asian Film Awards. He recounted a key scene where the protagonist reflects on the day his daughter went missing. "As the character reflects on the events surrounding his daughter’s disappearance, we follow his narration into the memory," Tu described. "The process is cinematic, with sound enhancing the emotional layers between close-ups and wide shots, drawing the audience into the character’s inner world."

He further detailed the mixing process: "During the mixing, we realized that when on-set sounds lasted longer than expected, we gradually removed them to align with the close-up." This deliberate choice allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the character’s imagination, fostering a deeper understanding of his mental state. Tu emphasized the transformative power of this approach: "This sound adjustment not only enriched the actor’s performance but also made the scene more dynamic. The shift in the character’s mental state became clear, making the performance far deeper than it would have been without the sound changes."

Technology as a Servant to Creativity

Addressing the role of modern recording technology, Tu affirmed that these tools "serve me, making it easier to realize my creative vision." However, he stressed that creativity remains paramount. "No matter how advanced the technology, what matters is having the creativity to use it," Tu asserted. He views these tools as instruments to enhance a film’s emotional resonance. For instance, in a forest park dialogue scene, Tu recounted how noise reduction effectively cleared overwhelming background sound, while the strategic addition of wind and rustling leaves helped perfectly match the scene’s tone. He underscored the value of spatial simulation tools for improving sound quality but cautioned that staying current with new technology is crucial. "If you don’t embrace these tools, you risk falling behind," he warned, reiterating his personal commitment: "I’m always seeking new tools and knowledge to stay ahead in my craft."

The masterclass concluded as a resounding success, offering film and sound design professionals a rare and invaluable opportunity to gain profound insight into Tu Duu-chih’s unparalleled creative process and philosophical approach to sound design.