Meet Patrick Oldacre: Take me somewhere tropical!
You are a Sound Recordist, but what did you dream of becoming as a child?
I was obsessed with astronomy as a kid. I used to drive my parents mad wanting to stay in the back garden with my telescope, even when it was -2°C on a school night. Galaxies and nebulae were my thing, but I was particularly excited to see the rings of Saturn through a big telescope when I was eight. I still keep up with developments today.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?
I recorded sound on a project highlighting the changing situation of working elephants in Thailand. I got to meet loads of elephants and the people dedicated to improving their lives. Honestly, what’s not to love about that?
I can imagine you’re sensitive to sound. What is the most impressive production when it comes to sound?
There’s a film called ‘Roma’ by Alfonso Cuarón. The sound design is fantastic – every facet of Mexico City’s soundscape is captured. But the all-time winner has to be Kate Bush. Her ‘Before the Dawn’ show at Hammersmith was mind-blowing. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it, even 11 years later.
What’s the golden rule you follow as a freelancer?
Don’t be late. Know what you’re doing. Be nice. Muck in.
What skill makes you stand out from other freelancers?
I’m very good at dealing with hot, tropical climates. I had a job in Kuala Lumpur for a year, and my metabolism loved it immediately. Everyone else was wilting and complaining about the humidity, but I was in heaven. Take me somewhere tropical – I’ll even give you a discount!
Please take a look at Patrick’s credit list, and if you would like to work with him, please contact a member of the team.
