Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Haina Zhou Interview Part I

Haina Zhou is in a sound profession, literally.  She’s a sound designer and re-recording mixer.  2023 has been a busy year for this talented artist with projects ranging from films, TV pilots, shorts, and commercials just to name a few.  In part I of this interview, we spoke with Ms. Zhou about her beginnings in the industry.  Look for part II where we delve into challenges, obstacles and what’s next.

After graduating from NYU, Ms. Zhou dove right into the world of sound, gaining diverse experience in the industry.  She is passionate about her craft and hopes that her work reaches people on an emotional level.  “I am a Brooklyn-based sound designer and re-recording mixer. I graduated from NYU with majors in film & television production and East Asian studies. I specialize in sound design and have experience working on projects ranging from narrative films, documentaries, sound films, and art installations. Through the craft of sound design, which is often known as the “invisible art”, I hope to externalize subtle and ambiguous emotions through the auditory experience behind the scenes. When I am not working, I am passionate about practicing calligraphy in my free time.”

Early on, sound resonated with Ms. Zhou, no pun intended.  She was artistically cognizant of how sound works in conjunction with other art forms to reach the human psyche.  She wisely chose the medium of film for several solid reasons.  “Growing up in a creative environment, I have a natural artistic sensitivity, in particular with compositions, patterns, color, light, shadow, etc., and how visual nuances can effectively communicate human subconsciousness. I was first attracted by the film medium because of its broad audience base, which gives me an effective platform to raise awareness on topics and issues that I value. Such as the issue of human rights and women’s problems. I encountered sound design during my studies at NYU, and I was fascinated by this subtle yet immensely impactful craft. I find the process of sound design synonymous with the reality of how we often process emotions which is often obscured from the obvious.”

Ms. Zhou finds working in sound exciting because of how it enhances a film.  Can you imagine watching a horror movie without the sound effects?  The creaking staircase, the ominous sound of the wind blowing, the footsteps that edge closer and closer are all part of the fun and fright of a horror movie.  “Sound for film is everything you hear in the theater aside from music. Good sound design is able to tap into the psychology of the audience, adding greater dimension and complexity to the story and assisting the accuracy of the storytelling. I truly enjoy the process of integrating, balancing, and adding color to different sound elements to recreate a distinct feeling or mood that is able to externalize human subconsciousness. Another interesting part of my job is that I get to meet and understand people from all over the world with different perspectives and diverse experiences.”

Ms. Zhou recognized the benefits of coming to work in America.  “The American film industry is the largest and most developed in the world. In particular, in New York, I get to meet directors from all walks of life, e.g. cultural backgrounds, age, gender, etc. I came to the US hoping to learn from top experts and take advantage of the extensive network and work opportunities in the US.”

In Part II we will continue our conversation with Ms. Zhou and go deeper into what it’s like to work in the sound industry.