Meet Artem Semenov | Sound Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Artem Semenov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Artem, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that when you work in the creative industry and are truly determined to succeed, you often have to make very high-stakes decisions in your life. Psychologically, taking risks can be extremely challenging, because you may spend long periods living in uncertainty. That uncertainty can weigh heavily on you, and you inevitably begin to ask yourself, “Did I make the right choice?”

In order to keep moving forward, you often have to sacrifice your previous life — letting go of what was familiar and comfortable. This requires resilience, inner strength, and a high level of stress tolerance.

My life has been closely connected to this experience for a long time. It began when I was 18, when I chose to study music and sound editing despite the advice of my family. Then, at 22, I made my first move to Moscow after being accepted for training at a major post-production studio. At that point, almost my entire way of life was dismantled, and a new chapter began. I lived in uncertainty for about a year, as there were no guarantees that I would be able to find work there. All my friends remained in my previous city, and I had to rebuild my life from scratch.

Something similar happened again about a year and a half ago, when, in the summer of 2024, I moved to Los Angeles in order to continue developing as a professional in the film industry. Even though a year and a half has passed, I am still, on an almost daily basis, working to establish myself here. I don’t think it will be possible to truly “relax” anytime soon, because this is the global center of the film industry. Talented people from all over the world come here, which on the one hand creates many opportunities for collaboration, but on the other hand also means increased competition.

But I believe that if you truly believe in what you are doing and consistently put in the effort, the risks you take will eventually pay off in the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a sound editor began after I graduated from a College of Music, when I accidentally landed an internship at a foley studio. It was a completely new experience for me—I saw firsthand how sounds for films and TV shows are created: footsteps, rustling clothes, props—and I realized that this is what I wanted to do professionally.

In 2020, I was hired as a sound engineer at Mosfilm, the largest studio in Moscow. My responsibilities were mostly technical—supporting foley and ADR studios—but I had access to the large mixing stages where final 5.1 or even Dolby Atmos mixes are done. This experience was invaluable because it gave me a full understanding of the structure of sound work in film: the equipment, the software, and the workflow.

At the same time, I started working on various series and features. By 2022–2023, I had already completed two feature films as a supervising sound editor, both released theatrically. To date, I have over 30 projects listed in the credits on IMDb, and in total I think I’ve worked on more than 100 projects, including films, series, and projects for major streaming platforms in the U.S.

One of the projects I worked on as a sound editor and re-recording mixer, Making of Shogun, won an Emmy in 2024. This was especially meaningful to me, as I had only been in the U.S. for about a month at the time, and it gave me even more motivation to keep pushing forward.

This journey has not been easy—it constantly requires adaptation: to new places, to new trends in the profession, to changes in the film industry, and even to everyday life. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that everything comes down to desire. There’s a saying: “Those who want to – find a way; those who don’t – find an excuse.” If you have the drive, you can achieve a lot, and it’s important to understand that.

For me personally, it’s always important that people I work with understand that the creative side of any project comes first. I want to feel a sense of fulfillment and creative satisfaction from every project I do, and that is always my priority. For some people, money is often the most important thing—but for me, reputation matters more. After all, my name is in the credits, and I am responsible for the work associated with it

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I highly recommend visiting Solarc Brewing, a brewery in Glassell Park with an excellent selection of their own craft beers and teas. But what really makes it special are the events they organize—every week they host live performances by interesting artists. Most of the time it’s electronic or ambient music, and they often have jazz fusion bands. Instead of a thousand words, it’s definitely worth going and experiencing it live.

If you like a “cowboy” vibe, I recommend Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles. This rooftop bar in Hollywood often features country music, and it’s where I first tried line dancing—it was really exciting!

I also recommend visiting the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. They host fascinating events like sound baths, lectures, and film screenings with live musical accompaniment.

For fans of saunas and wellness, Likeminded Wellness Center is a great spot. I only recently discovered it, and it’s perfect for recharging after a busy work week, especially if you enjoy cold plunges.

When it comes to food, everyone should try the amazing borscht at Paris Cafe, a small café in Little Armenia.

And of course, near Los Angeles there are tons of great hiking trails around Topanga and Pasadena, and it’s impossible to miss Santa Monica Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, Nadezhda Sidorenkova. She is 85 years old and has spent most of her life living in a small town, working as an engineer at a local factory. She is not particularly involved in creative professions, yet she has always supported my decision to pursue a career in the creative industry, working in sound editing and music. This support means a lot to me, because there is a philosophical question — “Liberty or Security?” — that can be applied to choosing your path in life: you can pursue creative fulfillment, but the path is unpredictable, income may be unstable, and competition is high. It is hard to put into words how important it is to feel love and support while navigating this path, and my grandmother is a constant source of that support.

She is not the only one – my friends and family are also incredibly supportive — but I feel that this shoutout is especially important to dedicate to her.

Website: https://echosoundpost.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semenov_olegovich/

Other: Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11308405/