CAS Mixer, Screening and Panel - Baby Driver

On Sunday Sep 29th, CAS members and guests which also included members of the local 479 sound community gathered mid-afternoon at the Springs Cinema & Taphouse to participate in Atlanta’s first ever in person CAS event for a sound panel with production sound team from the academy award winning film Baby Driver. The crowd first enjoyed catching up with old friends and new over beverages and o’dourves which was followed by a panel and then a screening of the film.

The panel was moderated by production mixer Whit Norris CAS who is an active proponent in propelling the Atlanta film sound community. Production sound mixer Mary Ellis who was nominated for an academy award for her work on the film lead the panel shared a wealth of experience about her teams process with a focus on preparation, interdepartmental communication and technical innovation Joining her on the panel was music playback Alex Lowe, 2nd assistant sound Thomas Doolittle and the films boom operator James Peterson CAS. Attendees asked excellent questions and a great time was had by all for what was both an insightful and enjoyable afternoon.

This event also both celebrates and marks the first ever CAS event in Atlanta. Our organization looks forward to hosting future events in this powerhouse production state. Georgia has over 4.4 million square feet of sound stage space with five new studios opening this last year. In 2024, film and television productions spent $2.6 billion in Georgia. Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, Georgia hosted 273 productions, including 25 feature films, 30 independent films, 166 television and episodic productions. Georgia is also the home of one of Netflix’s highest grossing series Stranger Things which is currently shooting its final Season 5 here at Atlanta’s own Screen Gem Studios.

The Panel

Whit Norris CAS
Moderator
Production Sound Mixer

Whit Norris displays an impressive career as a production sound mixer spanning over three decades. A dedicated professional, he has been a member of the Cinema Audio Society (CAS) since 2003, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the field. Additionally, Whit is a proud member of IATSE 695 and IATSE 479, contributing his skills and expertise to these organizations. His extensive involvement in the industry extends to a decade-long service on the executive board of IATSE 479, underlining his leadership and collaborative spirit. Whit’s portfolio includes noteworthy credits on prominent productions such as “Red One,” “Bad Boys 4,” “Blue Beetle,” “Lyle Lyle Crocodile,” “Hillbilly Elegy,” “Bad Boys for Life,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” “Game Night,” “The Fate of the Furious,” “Passengers,” “The Accountant,” “Ant-Man,” “Furious 7,” “Fast 5,” and “Anchorman 2.”

Alex Lowe
Playback/Pro Tools Op. Baby Driver

Alex’s career started after graduating from Berklee College of Music as a music engineer in the early 90’s. He has worked with artist such as Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, REM, TLC and recordings for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Ceremonies to name a few. In 2003 he opened Red Tuxedo Studios offering music mixing and mastering services to regional and international music clientele such as Earl Klugh, Derek Trucks, Toku and many Atlanta artists. Alex’s music experience pulled him into the film and TV industry in 2009 as a pre-recordist and Pro Tools Playback operator and editor. He continues to offer mastering services through Red Tuxedo, is a post re-recording mixer for TPS, but his biggest passion is being on sets offering his playback skills to productions. He also puts a lot of effort into bettering his guitar skills.

Mary Ellis CAS
Production Sound Mixer Baby Driver

I started with a Film and Television degree from the University of Alabama. In 1990 I did “Fried Green Tomatoes”. Since then I have been on a fantastic journey of the film with many wonderful people. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some great visual directors such as Joe Johnson (October Sky, Hidalgo) Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) and Damien Chazelle (First Man) and of course Edgar Wright (Baby Driver). One thing I have found is that great visual storytellers know how important sound is to the final film.