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

Hi Mengchen, what are you inspired by?
I find inspiration in the way people connect and the diverse experiences they have. While I only have one life to live, filmmaking allows me to share countless other people’s stories. At the same time, sound—it’s subjective and complex. Whether it’s dialogue, sound effects, or music, different people interpret it in their own ways. As a sound editor and re-recording mixer, I aim to convey the characters’ emotions through my work accurately. This means I need to understand a wide range of emotions and experiences from the world around us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When it comes to my art, what sets me apart is my deep sensitivity and empathy, coupled with a genuine love for listening to people’s stories. This curiosity is what propels my journey forward in the artistic realm. My professional path has been a blend of technical exploration in sound and introspective self-discovery. It hasn’t been an easy road, but the challenges have always been intriguing rather than discouraging.

One aspect I’m particularly proud of is how film serves as a window into my personal world. Through this medium, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about understanding and conveying emotions through sound. This duality of technical and emotional learning has shaped my artistic identity profoundly.

I want the world to know that my work is not simply creating fantastic sound—it’s about delving deep into the human experience, capturing emotions, and translating them into meaningful soundscapes. My story is one of continuous growth and exploration, driven by a profound passion for understanding and connecting with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, I would recommend visiting iconic cultural landmarks like The Getty and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, providing a deep dive into art and film history. A stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, with a movie screening at TCL Chinese Theater, would be a must for that quintessential Hollywood experience. At night, the Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and stars, adding a touch of celestial wonder to the trip.

For entertainment, catching live concerts in LA’s vibrant music scene would be a fantastic choice. The city offers a diverse range of venues and genres to suit any musical taste.

LA is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Alongside recommending Mexican cuisine, such as the delicious tacos from Avenue 26 Tacos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ll say, Denis Villeneuve; he stands out as my foremost inspiration. Renowned for directing masterpieces such as Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Dune, Villeneuve has solidified his position as a leading figure in sci-fi cinema nowadays. His discerning eye for every aspect of filmmaking is truly admirable. Despite not relying on fast-paced narratives, his films remain captivating and enthralling, showcasing his exceptional taste and attention to detail in every craft. Villeneuve’s unique aesthetic signature permeates through each of his works, with each story possessing its own distinct flavor. Furthermore, his openness to pushing the boundaries in the realm of sound design, a trait I greatly admire, is evident in his collaborations with talents such as Mark Mangini.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/m_mchennnn?igshid=dHlvdDRtZzNoOWNy&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/mengchen-sun-b3221a249

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samia.sun.98?mibextid=PzaGJu

Image Credits
The black and white image credit was by Miji

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