The Goldbergs

Terry O’Bright is a re-recording sound mixer at Periscope Post & Audio, a post studio with locations in Chicago and Los Angeles. He joined the studio in December of last year after a long tenure at Sony Pictures Audio Post.

LA-based O’Bright is a four-time Emmy Award-nominee who works out of one of Periscope’s mix stages, which is equipped with an Avid S6 console and Dolby Atmos capability. Focused on streaming and broadcast television projects, O’Bright has tallied more than 250 film and television credits over his career, including ABC’s The Goldbergs.

Let’s find out more from this industry veteran…

The Goldbergs

What would surprise people about what a re-recording sound mixer’s job includes?
For the most part, the audience has no idea what is involved with moviemaking — which is a good thing. A viewer needs to get swept up in the story rather than focusing on the sound and picture. Good sound achieves that goal.

Can you talk about your process? How do you begin on a project?
I like to start off slowly on a new project and set the tone of the show. I have a good feel for what the creators are looking for, but the bottom line is that moviemaking is a collaboration, and I just offer one aspect of it.

How did your job change, if at all, during COVID?
I was able to mix remotely from my home studio. The pandemic made this happen, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Terry O’Bright

Are you a musician as well?
I play guitar.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
Client interaction.

Do you have a least favorite?
Client interaction (laughs, just kidding).

How early on did you know this would be your path?
Growing up in Canada, my neighbor was the producer for the rock band Rush. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by him at the age of 15. I wanted to do exactly what he was doing.

Empire

What are some recent projects you’ve worked on?
Mainly, The Goldbergs, Empire and Silicon Valley.

Can you talk about the one that was most challenging and why?
Empire was the most challenging because the production sound quality was very bad. It’s harder to mix all other sounds around bad recordings.

Name three pieces (or more) of technology you can’t live without.
My e-bike, my iPhone, my Firestick, my TV, my computer and my Jaybird headphones.

How do you de-stress from it all?
Golf and beer (laughs).