David Lynch on Sound and Alan Splet's Wind Recordings

Filmmaker David Lynch discusses the importance of sound in film.

David Lynch, Oscar®-nominated director behind iconic films and television series like Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks, and Eraserhead, is known for crafting surreal, mind-bending cinematic experiences. Much of his work utilizes creative sound design as an emotional and narrative tool.

In the video, Lynch explains how he sees sound as "50% of the picture." He also praises the recording prowess of Alan Splet – referred to as Al – a sound designer who worked with Lynch on several films including Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Dune, and Blue Velvet. He specifically recounts Splet's powerful, "painstakingly" captured wind recordings:

“Because of his good ears and his technical ability, [Alan Splet] would record things that had maximum power…He recorded these beautiful winds, and they are just beautiful. They just make you soar out.”

You can now experience Alan Splet and Ann Kroeber's iconic wind recordings for use in your own projects with the Cinematic Winds library. Check out the audio demo for an idea of what's included:

Cinematic Winds delivers everything from eerie, hollow wind sounds to whipping, stormy moodscapes – curated from the private recording archive film sound pioneers Ann Kroeber and Alan Splet.

“Of all the sounds from our library, the wind recordings are some of the most iconic and evocative,” says Ann Kroeber, having created an extensive sound catalog with her late partner Splet over decades of pioneering their craft.

Wind is one of the most difficult elements to record. Pro Sound Effects is proud to offer this carefully curated library from two artful sound designers and recordists we have tremendous respect for. Add emotion and depth to your sound design by dropping the work of Kroeber and Splet into your project.

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Video courtesy of Michael Coleman & Ann Kroeber.

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