Design Engineer
Resume:
J OHN SAWA
North Vancouver BC Canada
Phone: 604-***-****
abphym@r.postjobfree.com www.johnsawa.com
I m a creative and dedicated Sound Designer and Audio Professional experienced in many forms of media. In my career I have
excelled in not only audio production and creative sound design, but project management and client relations as well. It is my goal
to seek out opportunities to collaborate with professionals to produce original creative works that are a challenge and learning
experience in the process. There is no greater challenge and reward in my work than using sound as a tool in creative story telling.
F EATURE FILM S
Locked in a Garage Band (2012): Sound Effects/BG Editor - Canadian Indie Feature Film (Comedy) directed by Jennifer Westcott
Restos (2012): Sound Designer, Sound Effects /BG Editor - Mexican Feature Film (Drama) directed by Alfonso Pineda Ulloa
Burlesque Assassins (2012): Sound Designer, Sound Effects Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Comedy) directed by Jonathan Joffe
Hannah s Law (2012): Sound Effects Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Western) directed by Rachel Talalay
Ventanas al mar (2011): Sound Designer, Sound Effects Editor - Mexican Feature Film (Drama) directed by Jesus Mario Lozano
Rio de Oro (2010): Sound Effects/BG Editor - Mexican Feature Film (Historical Drama) written and directed by Pablo Aldrete
-Official selection at the Marrakech International Film Festival
Damage (2009): Sound Effects/BG Editor - American Feature Film (Drama) directed by Jeff King
A Legend of Whitey (2010): BG Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Western comedy) directed by Paul Spence
T V P RODUCTIONS
Merry In Laws (2012): Sound Designer, Sound Effects Editor, Foley - Canadian TV Film (Xmas) directed by Leslie Hope
Feluda (4 Episodes: 2012): Supervising Sound Editor - Indian Children s Series (Action/Adventure) Distributed by Disney
Cyboars (3 Episodes: 2012): BG/Foley Editor - US Animated Children s Series (Action Adventure)
Dear Santa (2011): Foley Recordist/Performer/Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Drama/Comedy) Directed by Jason Priestley
Flash & Dash (6 Episodes: 2010): Sound Effects Editor - Chinese animated car-racing series adapted for UK Cartoon Network
Pretty Cure (4 Episodes 2010): Sound Effects Editor - Japanese Anime series adapted for North American Broadcast
Knights of Bloodsteel (2009): Sound Effects Editor - American Feature Film (Fantasy) directed by Phillip Spink
-Leo Award nomination: Best Production Design in a Feature Length Drama
Impact: (2008): Sound Effects Editor - American TV mini series (Drama) directed by Michael Rohl
-Leo Award nomination: Best Sound Editing in a Feature Length Drama
Stargate Atlantis (1 Episode: 2008): BG Editor - TV Series (Season 5 Episode 16) directed by Martin Gero
Sight Unseen: (2008): BG Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Drama) directed by David Golden
Don t Cry Now (2007): Dialog Editor - Canadian Feature Film (Drama) directed by Jason Priestley
Taste (4 Episodes: 2003): BG/Music Editor - Canadian TV Series (Beverage Variety) produced by Corkscrew Media
S HORT FILMS
The White Knight (2012): Production Audio - Canadian Short Film directed by William Carnes
Simple Man (2012): Sound Designer, Re-Recording Mixer - Canadian Short Film (Horror/Artistic) Produced by Hora Morior Films
Catalyst (February 2011): Production Audio - Canadian Short Film (Horror/Artistic) Produced by Hora Morior Films
Zombie Ritual (2011): Sound Designer, Re-Recording Mixer - Canadian Short Film (Horror/Artistic) Produced by Hora Morior Films
-Official Selection at Halloween Fest Film Festival (2011)
Satan s Sideshow (2011): Sound Designer, Re-Recording Mixer - Canadian Short Film (Horror) Produced by Hora Morior Films
-Official Selection and winner of Best Art Direction at Bloodshots Film Festival (2011)
Rainbow Pancakes (2010): Dialog Editor - Canadian Short Film (Comedy) directed by Nathan Funk
Make Them Mache (2008): Sound Designer, Sound Effects Editor, ADR Engineer, Re-Recording Mixer
- Canadian Short Film (Artistic) directed by Jose Francisco Fuentes Lara
Class Savage (2008): Sound Effect Recordist - Canadian Short Film (Drama) directed by Matt Zien
-IFCT winner: Best Drama (Narrative Short Film) 2009
Chasing Stories (2008): Sound Effect Editor, Production Audio - Canadian Short Film (Drama) directed by William Armstrong
Post It (2007): Re-Recording Mixer - Canadian Short Film (Comedy) directed by Derek Howe
Boxes (2007): Re-Recording Mixer - Canadian Short Film (Drama) VFS Film Production Student Film
A DVERTISING /PSA S
VANDU Internet Resource Videos (September 2011): Audio Production - Social Campaign (Web Based) for Hello Cool World
Immunize BC HPV Awareness (February 2011): Radio Ad Production - Social Campaign (Radio Based) for Hello Cool World
VANDU publicity and awareness (May-June 2011): Audio Production - Social Campaign (Web Based) for Hello Cool World
Immunize BC HPV Awareness (February 2011): Radio Ad Production - Social Campaign (Radio Based) for Hello Cool World
Alberta Ford Dealers (2007): Sound Effects Editor - Series of TV/Radio commercials for Prairie Ford Dealers
John Sawa: Resume 1
abphym@r.postjobfree.com 604-***-****
V IDEO GAME AUDIO DESIGN
iPhone/iPad Game SFX Packages (2012) - Children s and Puzzle Sound Effect Packages for PremiumBeat.Com (Montreal Quebec)
End of the Beginning (ERD Late 2012) - Multi Platform FPS by Snaketakes Studio (Edmonton Alberta)
Adventures Of Marshall Marshmallow (2010) - iPhone Shooter by Level 13 Studios (San Francisco, California)
Flipit (2008) - Flash Platform Puzzle by Nightshift Games
A NIMATION /NEW MEDIA
The Room (2009): Sound Designer - 3D Animation created by Christian Jason Smith
-BC Student Film Festival winner: Craft Award Best Post Secondary Sound
Miniature Rocket (2008): Sound Designer - Flash Animation Portfolio by Nicolas Alexander and Yaniv Fridman
Jungle Jam (2008): Sound Designer - Classical Animation created by Sin Ali Kanate
Fever (2008): Sound Designer - VFS Sound Design final project adapted from original created by Charlie Griak
D OCUMENTARIES
The Other Shore (2012): Voiceover Engineer - Canadian Documentary (Nature/Artistic) New Affinity Productions
Ariel Barnes (2012): Production Audio - Project on BC Cellist Ariel Barnes for upcoming documentary series
Totally Magical: The Art of Kaeli Starfield (2011): Production Audio - Canadian Documentary Filming for WKRP Productions
S FX F IELD R ECORDING
Drag racing and high-end custom car garage (October 2010) (Osoyoos, BC)
-Recorded various classes and types of racing vehicles with Wine Country Racing Association and various high end tools
and equipment at JF Kustoms Desert Speed Shop.
Hovercrafts (May 2010) Empire Hovercraft (Fort Langley, BC)
-Collaborated with Empire Hovercraft to record part of their fleet.
Firearms (May 2008) Thomas Kouchnerkavich (Pueblo, Colorado, US)
-Recorded a private collection of over 50 different variety s of guns including vintage WW1/WW2 Rifles.
S OUND DESIGN AWARDS
LEO AWARD
Impact (Nomination for Sound Editing in a Feature Length Drama) 2009
BC STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
The Room (Craft Award for Best Post Secondary Sound) 2009
BROADCAST EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Dodge This! (National Student Award Audio Productions in the Promotion Category) 2007
I NDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES
Arte Sonico: Mexico City (Freelance Sound Designer and Editor) November 2010-Present
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide audio editorial and design for feature films for this Mexican post-production
studio. Part of my work entails managing a remote work flow to coincide with this international clients production
schedule.
Sync Spot Digital Audio Post: Calgary Alberta (Freelance Sound Designer/Editor and Foley Artist) November 2010-Present
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide audio services to this audio post-production house. My work ranges from
sound design and editorial to foley performance and engineering services for film and TV projects. Managing the work
flow for this out of province client is essential to ensure tight and on time production schedules.
Abacus Audio Visual: Vancouver (Production Sound/Supervising Editor/Sound Designer) October 2008-Present
As the supervising sound editor for Abacus Audio Visual I have a wide variety of duties that span different types of media.
I am responsible to oversee location audio, audio production, and post-production for various video and film projects. I m
also the lead sound designer and sometimes am asked to step into the roll of camera operator for videographer services.
During my work with Abacus I am frequently asked to hire and manage sub contractors to work with us when projects
require.
Ocean Sound: Vancouver (Freelance Sound Editor) November 2009-Present
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide audio editorial for this Vancouver based post-production facility. My work is
primarily for TV productions.
Sharpe Sound Studios: Vancouver (Freelance Sound Editor) September 2008-May 2009
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide audio editorial for this premier post-production facility in Vancouver. My work
was for both feature film and TV.
John Sawa: Resume 2
abphym@r.postjobfree.com 604-***-****
POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES CONTINUED
Sync Spot Digital Audio Post: Calgary Alberta (Intern/Assistant) March-June 2003 February-March 2007
As an intern sound editor/assistant I worked closely with Sound Designers and editors on a number of client projects. My
work experience included audio post production for film/TV programs, sound editing for radio and TV advertisements,
foley performance/recording, ADR/dialog engineering, field recording, and audio restoration/mastering.
FILM STUDIOS
Hora Morior Films: Vancouver (Production Sound/Supervising Editor/Sound Designer) June 2009-Present
I work with this talented film production crew providing them all of their audio sound design and production audio needs.
I supervise teams of 3-5 audio professionals to ensure high production standards throughout pre-production to the
completion of post-production.
ADVERTISING
Hello Cool World/Good Company Communications: Vancouver (Freelance Audio Production Coordinator) March 2011-Present
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide location audio and audio production for various social campaigns at Hello
Cool World. This involves the subcontracting and management of studio facilities, composers, voice over artists, and
editorial staff on sometimes multiple projects and campaigns that occur simultaneously.
VIDEO GAME DEVELOPERS
Snaketakes Studios: Edmonton Alberta (Freelance Sound Designer) June 2010-October 2010
Contracted on a freelance basis to provide the initial sound design for the games interactive weapon systems. I was
involved in all the original audio design for the beta versions and implementation for these sounds to work within the
game engine (Unreal 3).
Level 13 Studios: San Francisco, California (Freelance Sound Designer) November 2009-November 2010
Contracted on a freelance basis to collaborate with one other audio designer to provide the in game sound effects, and it
was my additional task to provide the audio for the in game cinematics.
TEACHING/CONSULTING
Audio and music production tutor/consultant: Vancouver October 2009-Present
I m often hired as a private tutor and consultant by people wishing to learn more about audio/music production, and need
advice to achieve their aims working with sound.
Vancouver Film School: Alumni Guest Speaker at Sound Design For Visual Media Open House March 18th 2009
Pretty Smart Studios: Columbus Ohio (Audio Production Consultant) April 2009-April 2010
As an audio consultant for various web based media projects being produced by this Ohio based design firm.
RADIO PRODUCTION
CJSW 90.9 University of Calgary Radio (Producer) October 2006-January 2007
As a volunteer producer for CJSW I produced various station and show specific content for air, and was in a supervisory
roll for audio production for various programs aired on the station.
Standard Radio Calgary (Now Astral Media): AM1060, Vibe 98.5, CJAY 92 (PA/Board Op) July-November 2005
As a production assistant for Standard Radio Calgary I was responsible for editing and providing content for air. My
duties included board operation for live programming, voiceover engineering and production, and audio content
production. I was also asked to manage other PA s on the Standard team to follow production schedules.
TECHNICAL THEATRE
Summerstock Theatre Conservatory: Calgary Alberta (Lead Audio Technician/Supervisor) October 2005-June 2006
As Audio Supervisor for Summerstock for an outdoor performance of Fiddler on the Roof I had many responsibilities for
both rehearsals and in preparation for the performance run. These included the production of original audio,
management of wireless mic placement for all cast and operations during performances, and live sound engineering for
performances and rehearsals. It was also within my responsibilities to oversee a crew of stagehands for setup and
takedown of all audio equipment for rehearsals and performances.
V OICE ACTING/ANNOUNCING
ANIMATION VOICE ACTING
The Chase (2009) - VFX Showcase Reel by Gilberto Sanchez
Gentlemen s Duel (2008) - Short animation by Blur Studios (Sound Design portfolio piece by Pedro Motta)
Decency (2008) - 3D Animation by Dongkun
Pedrito el Valiente (2008) - 3D Animation by Rafael Cardenas
Jungle Jail (2008) - 3D Animation by ESMA Students (Sound Design portfolio piece by Robbie Elias and Kyle Fraiser)
Glass Sword (2007) - Classical Animation by Irvan Hanafi (Sound Design Robbie Elias)
RADIO BROADCASTING ANNOUNCING/VOICE OVER
CJSW 90.9 University of Calgary Radio October 2006-January 2007
Standard Radio Calgary: AM1060, Vibe 98.5, CJAY 92 July-November 2005
John Sawa: Resume 3
abphym@r.postjobfree.com 604-***-****
E DUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF BRITTISH COLUMBIA (UBC)
Audited class focusing on Psychoacoustics and auditory perception September-December 2010
DIGIDESIGN TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Certification as a Post Production Protools Operator Certified May 2008
VANCOUVER FILM SCHOOL (VFS)
Sound Design For Visual Media Diploma Graduated June 2008
SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SAIT)
Radio, Television, Broadcast News Diploma Graduated April 2007
A UDIO, PROGRAMMING AND I MPLEMENTATION SOFTWARE P ROFICIENCIES
Protools Logic Reason Max/Msp
Soundfordge Adobe Audition W Wise Native Instruments
Cubase Ableton Live F Mod Python
P ROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Sound Design and Editorial Field Recording Foley Recording/Performance
Post Production Audio Production Mixer and Boom Op Creative Storytelling
Interactive Audio/Implementation Voiceover ADR Engineering Contract Management
Audio Restoration and Mastering Voice Acting/Announcing Deadline Orientated
Music Recording and Production Audio Mixing
R EFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
John Sawa: Resume 4
abphym@r.postjobfree.com 604-***-****
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