Graduate wins ‘Green Oscar’ for sound production

A UWE Bristol graduate who discovered post-production sound while studying at the university, has won one of wildlife filmmaking’s most prestigious awards.

Clevedon-based Tom Rees, who graduated with a BSc in Creative Music Technology in 2021, won the Sound category at the Wildscreen Panda Awards for his work on Home to Many, directed by German filmmaker Gamander López-Caparrós Jungmann.

Tom brought together the film’s sound effects and wildlife recordings, balancing these with its music and voiceover to create its immersive soundtrack.

When Tom started his course, he knew very little about sound for film as his interest was in music production. However, with the course providing a wide range of industry expertise, he developed a passion for sound for film through the course’s post-production module.

On winning the award, Tom said: “I was so surprised. It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest, nature film festivals - it’s so prestigious. So, to win this award with an independent project is such an honour, especially in a room full of leading industry talent who I work alongside and greatly admire.”

His Wildscreen Panda Award is a full-circle moment for Tom. The director Gamander mentioned one of his favourite wildlife films was the 2002 BBC documentary My Halcyon River and asked Tom to make his film sound just as good.

That documentary’s sound mix was the work of Tom’s former lecturer Martyn Harries at UWE Bristol. After completing an early version for Home to Many, Tom asked Martyn to watch it and give him feedback before making further changes to the soundtrack.

“I owe everything to my UWE Bristol course – I wouldn’t be here without it and the incredible support from my lecturers Martyn and Luke,” added Tom. “I discovered my passion for this work, and they helped me to build my skills and advised how best to navigate the next steps in my career. I’ve managed to do it thanks to them and everything they've taught me.”

Since graduating, Tom has established himself as a post-production sound designer, working at Bristol-based Wounded Buffalo Sound Studios alongside his own independent sound-mixing projects.

Luke Reed, senior lecturer Audio and Music Technology, added: “We’re all delighted for Tom and so proud of what he’s achieved. It’s been a real pleasure to support him and watch him grow into such a confident, capable and trusted professional.

“This recognition from our industry says so much about his talent, drive and the creative path he’s made for himself. For us, that’s what Music Technology at UWE Bristol is all about. We hope to nurture young people’s love of sound and music, helping them discover and prepare for the opportunities that passion can open up across the UK’s world-leading audio and creative industries. We’re excited to see what Tom achieves next.”