Michael Hardman

About

Sound supervisor and mixer with 17 years in Pro Tools spanning film/TV/podcasts/YouTube, including supervising and largely executing the full audio post (SFX/Foley/ADR/music edit/mix) for Netflix Top 10 feature Mine 9. Notable for realism-first sound design informed by deep field recording in an actual coal mine and for thriving in high-volume environments (2 features/month + weekly TV; multiple weekly shows at Spotify) with fast turnarounds and consistent deliverables.

Key Strengths

• 17 years primary DAW experience in Pro Tools across film/TV/podcasts/YouTube
• Led sound supervision on a Netflix Top 10 feature film (Mine 9), handling SFX, Foley, ADR, music edit, and mix
• Realism-driven sound design informed by extensive field recording inside a 2-mile-deep coal mine
• Strong narrative/emotional shaping through music edits (builds/drops, hard contrasts, diegetic transitions, reverb evolution)
• High-volume delivery experience (2 feature films/month plus weekly TV; multiple weekly shows at Spotify)
• Fast turnaround with structured note-handling and prioritization; reports never missing deadlines
• Technical mixing rigor: LUFS targeting, bussing/stems, in-line processing for adjustable noise reduction, detailed automation
• Collaborative stakeholder management: incorporates notes, pushes back when justified, and aligns with producers/creators

Reference Highlights

• Incredible music editor; among the best the reference has seen
• Expert at hitting the right tone and emotion for a scene
• Strong creative instincts; can provide the right option when direction is unclear
• Keeps stories rolling and engaging
• Positive impact on show performance/engagement (newer episodes performed better after bringing him in)
• Expert-level technical proficiency
• Versatile across multiple media disciplines (audio, film, TV)
• Delivers final mixes and very clean project files
• No inconsistencies; perfect mix consistency and baseline quality
• High emotional intelligence
• Wide music library/resources for sourcing
• Handles tight deadlines and intense turnarounds reliably
• Generous thought partner; enjoys collaboration
• Well-liked by everyone he worked with
• One of the most talented editors the reference has worked with
• Exceptional sound design
• Creates impressive soundscapes
• Elevates mundane moments in post into entertaining beats
• Strong musical instincts and understanding of tempo
• Engaging cold opens that draw audiences in
• Extremely proficient in Pro Tools
• Reliable delivery of final mixes/masters and stems
• Extremely consistent, clean work with no flaws
• Fast turnaround / high output
• Never caused major QC issues (rarely needed rework)
• Sound design enhances without feeling intrusive
• Easy to work with; not difficult
• Handles problems by putting head down and getting work done
• Jovial, positive energy while still serious about the work
• Pleasure to work with
• Exceptional narrative intuition ('gets it')
• Incredible work ethic
• Produces a better product with fewer notes than other editors
• Elevates poor source material into strong final content
• Strong comedic instincts and timing
• Impeccable quality control
• Brilliant musical taste and instincts
• Uses music to draw out emotion effectively
• Above-and-beyond dedication; takes genuine pride in work
• Efficient problem solver
• Great collaborator; incorporates feedback efficiently
• Exceptional impact on storytelling (emotion, pacing, narrative beats)
• Brilliant editor; “Mozart of editing”
• Unparalleled intuitive feel for audio editing
• Incredible ideas and strong creative instincts
• Strong problem solver; helped resolve difficult situations
• Able to maintain coherence in very long narrative formats
• Broad, excellent musical taste
• Consistently selects the right music without guidance
• Seamless integration of music and SFX
• Handles pressure well
• Graceful and supportive under stress
• Highly recommended by reference; top-notch editor
• Credited with shaping a top-10 music podcast (Bandsplain)

Experience

Education

Awards

• Ambie Nomination - Best Comedy Podcast - Nosy Neighbors
• Telly Award - Best Sound Design - Battledogs
• Telly Award - Best Sound Design - Age of Dinosaurs
• Valedictorian - B.S. Audio Production - The Art Institute of CA - LA

Skills

Languages

Certifications

Memberships

• CATESOL
• M.P.S.E. Golden Reels (Voting Member)