Meet Tzu-Ni Guo | Production Sound Mixer/Sound Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tzu-Ni Guo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tzu-Ni, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Honestly, I wasn’t always the type to take big risks. I overthink a lot. But as I’ve gained more experience, I’ve realized that embracing risk is often the key to growth.

To me, taking risks isn’t about being reckless; it’s about making bold, conscious choices that expand my comfort zone. When a strong idea hits me, I trust it and take a bigger leap, even if it feels scary.

Looking back, I’ve always had a part of me that loves change and discovery. I even dreamed of being a pastry chef in high school. Life has taken me in different directions since then, but that spirit of wanting to create, evolve, and challenge myself has stayed with me.

Moving internationally and shifting my focus toward post-production sound are some of the latest risks I’ve embraced, and I’m excited to see where this path leads.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my journey in Los Angeles as a freelance production sound mixer. Being on set taught me that sound isn’t just technical, it’s emotional. It’s about working with the story and the team behind it.

Over time, I realized that what excites me most is the constant movement between technical precision and creative exploration. That’s why I’m now expanding into post-production sound and sound design, embracing the full arc of storytelling through sound.

What sets me apart is that I care deeply about the work, about the people I collaborate with, and about the little things people might not notice but still feel. Directors and crew members have often told me, “Thank you for caring so much about sound.” As the sound mixer, I see myself as the quiet advocate for the story, always listening for what others might miss, and making sure to communicate.

The road isn’t always easy. I’m naturally shy, and it took courage to step into unfamiliar spaces — from attending my first industry event to moving internationally. But every time I stepped beyond what I knew, I grew. I’ve learned that you don’t have to fit into a fixed definition. You can be technical and emotional, grounded and adventurous.

I think of myself as a traveler — not just through places, but through experiences and creative forms. Every project, every collaboration is a new country to explore. I want the world to know that I’m not here to fit into a mold. I’m here to keep moving, learning, and creating new shapes of who I can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Los Angeles, I’d want them to experience the parts of the city that feel casual, vibrant, and a little magical, the parts that made me fall in love with living here.

We’d probably start with a relaxed meal at Fresh Corn Grill, a spot I loved during my student days. In the evening, we might head to a local wine bar or restaurant for a drink or dinner, enjoy conversations without feeling rushed. And of course, I’d want them to experience LA’s rich Mexican culture too — finding a good local spot for tacos or real Mexican food, the kind where the flavors are bold and the energy feels alive.

For the classic LA view, we’d visit Griffith Observatory, maybe at sunset. Parking might be challenging, but that moment when the city lights start to sparkle always feels unforgettable.

One thing I love about LA is how casual and spontaneous great performances are — it feels normal to catch a live concert or a comedy night after dinner without planning too much.

If we had time, I’d plan a trip out of the city. Maybe camping under the stars at Joshua Tree, exploring the giant trees of Sequoia, or even going to Yosemite if we feel ambitious. California’s national parks always feel like stepping into a completely different world.

More than any one location, I want them to experience how LA lets you move between worlds, from quiet nature to vibrant city life — all in the same day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel incredibly grateful to the people who believed in me, especially when I was still finding my place.

I want to give a special shoutout to my sound professor at California State University, Northridge, Joel Krantz. He introduced me to the world of sound. His support and passion for teaching shaped my path today, and I’ll always consider him a mentor who made a lasting impact on my journey.

I’m also thankful for the LA Sound Mixers group (founded by Chris Howland, CAS). Attending my first meeting was a big step in connecting with the industry. I remember feeling nervous and unsure how to introduce myself. But someone told me, “The fact that you showed up already sets you apart.” That simple encouragement stayed with me. It taught me that the industry isn’t just about competition, but about community.

I’m especially grateful for my classmate and friend, Haoqian He. He was the first person who taught me the basics of production sound, giving me hands-on experience and mentorship when I needed it the most. Our collaborations and friendship gave me the confidence to grow from a student to an independently working sound mixer.

No journey is ever truly solitary. Every step I took is built on the kindness, generosity, and encouragement of others, and I carry their belief with me as I continue to explore new creative chapters.

Website: https://www.tzuniguo.com/

Instagram: @ninaoeo

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tzu-ni-guo-a61bb11b5

Image Credits
Tzu-Ni Guo
Ricardo Medina
Shadow Work Team