Stir-ring up Blackhawks fans with JumboTron video

Stir Post Audio’s assignment to create the sound design for the Blackhawks’ pre-game JumboTron video at the United Center was as good as it gets for Mindy Verson, Stir’s executive producer/partner and avid Hawks fan and season ticket holder.

Produced by Daily Planet, the video, “Hit the Ice 2014-2015,” “hypes up 22,000 people and raises the level of excitement as the team enters the stadium,” speaks Verson from experience.

“That meant producing a complex final mix, balancing the multi-layered environmental sound effects that Stir’s Peter Erazmus created, with the driving music track and standing up to being played over the stadium’s huge sound system,” she says.

Erazmus has firsthand experience with hockey game sounds.  A former hockey player, he brought in his own gear to create authentic Foley sounds, such as scraping his own skates on the ice and lacing them up.

The nearly 2-minute video takes viewers through the day leading up to a home game. “We jump from the outdoor shots of fans, in their daily routines, to the Blackhawks working out in the weight room,” notes Daily Planet’s Michael Gabriele, who was the video’s DP. 

“The sound design had to form a cohesive thread and also enhance the viewer experience so they got a little “burst” for each vignette while still being attached to the overarching story,” Gabriele explains. 

“Finally at game time, Chicagoans from all walks of life come together at the United Center in their love and support of the Blackhawks and Chicago.”

At the United Center, Erazmus did a sound check to ensure that the mix packed punch when played over the stadium’s huge sound system.  After the test, Erazmus says, “I went back into the studio to tweak levels for that environment.

“On a sound system like the United Center, and broadcasting to that huge space filled with roaring fans, things can get gobbled up.”

Hawks aficionada Verson says she’s gratified seeing stadium fans react to the “Hit the Ice” video.  “It’s an amazing experience! I’m really proud to be a part of creating this wonderful piece that unites Chicagoans and supports our home team.”

Daily Planet Ltd.: EP, Scott Marvel; director/editor, Sara Evans; DP, Michael Gabriele. Design/animation: Jonathan Adler, Dan Moore, Dan Tiffany, James Lee, Jason Rohler. Additional SFX, Matthew Hans.

Stir Post Audio: EP, Mindy Verson; sound designer, Peter Erazmus.