Episode 234 Dolby Creator Talks

Capturing Wicked's Live Singing with Simon Hayes

February 4, 2025

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Academy Award®-winning production sound mixer Simon Hayes joins us to discuss his groundbreaking work on “Wicked.” Nominated for his third Oscar®, Hayes shares how he captured live vocals on set, blending the technical innovation with the emotional. He reflects on lessons learned from “Les Misérables,” how he worked seamlessly with the music department, and the intricate process of ensuring performers like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande had the freedom to deliver their most powerful performances while always staying in sync with the film’s score.

We had no idea that when Cynthia and Ari sung together, their voices would mesh the way that they did. And something very, very special happens when those two sing together… That first time when I had my cans on, and they were dueting, and the hairs on the back of my neck started standing up, and you get that tingle… You just know, as a sound mixer, 'My God, we've struck gold.' This is something very unique and special.

Simon Hayes, Production Sound Mixer, “Wicked”

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