Keith Hodne Named Mixer in Residence
NEW YORK: As the latest move in an on-going expansion, leading independent production/post production complex Mega Playground, has opened a new audio mixing suite. The Playground is also introducing a creative sound design service with the appointment of accomplished long format and TV series soundmixer Keith Hodne as Mixer in Residence.
“Our client base includes TV series and independent films, and our need for skilled creative audio mixing and sound design talent has grown exponentially,” said Playground principal Eitan Hakami. “Keith Hodne has an impressive track record of diverse projects for, MTV, BET, HGTV and Discovery Channel. His credits include the controversial Gloucester 18 documentary; Manhunters Fugitive Task Force; 40 episodes of A&E’s Dallas, Detroit & K.C. SWAT series; 125 episodes (& counting) of A&E’s The First 48; and A&E’s hit Runaway Squad
series plus, recording Regis Philbin’s America’s Got Talent 1st season VO’s; Biography Chanel specials on Sean (P. Diddy) Combs and Samuel L. Jackson; and the 8-part History Channel Battles B.C. Series. We’ve received many of his audio mixes for shows we’ve posted for video, and his work has been on our radar for some time. When we recognized the need to add an audio mixing room we felt Keith’s creative mixing and sound design skills coupled with his strong focus on client services would be valuable asset.”
Hodne moves to The Playground following three + years with NY’s Big Yellow Duck audio post shop, and five years with Pomann Sound. “I’ve been posting at The Playground for years, and have always been impressed with their dual concerns for technical proficiency and client support” he says. “Having been on the receiving end, I was confident that joining the Playground team would be a good fit.”
The Playground’s new audio mixing suite is outfitted with an Icon D Command console, Protools 8, JBL monitors, and a powerful arsenal of plug-ins and outboard gear capable of meeting any audio post challenge. Additionally, Hodne has installed his version of Native Instruments Komplete for sound design. Hakami reports that the Playground plans to add a second mixing room, an iso Booth and a control room to facilitate three simultaneous sessions, and further increase overall scheduling flexibility.
“I’ve tested the new room and was impressed with the sound and the overall comfort level,” Hodne concludes. “Mega CTO Terry Brown did a great job of fine-tuning the room. He’s a true ‘hands on guy.’ The Mega Playground people, location, technology and client lounge snacks are all first tier. Morale is high, and I like their game plan of
providing a multiplicity of services while maintaining a boutique vibe. They eliminate corporate bureaucracy and make their own decisions. That’s a business plan I relate to. I look forward to a long and fruitful ‘in-house’ relationship with The Playground.”
Photo: Keith Hodne has been named Audio Mixer in Residence
for NYC’s Mega Playground
Mega Playground is strategically housed is three Manhattan locations. Two locations in the heart of the thriving West Village independent film community. A 30,000 sq ft facility at 609 Greenwich St. with a neighboring 14,000 sq ft. facility at 96 Morton St. The Playground also houses a Midtown editing satellite in the famed Brill Building at 1619 Broadway. Mega Playground provides High Definition post- production services including Avid and FCP rentals, online DIs, Color Correction, Telecine, Dub services, the proprietary DP Dailies digital workflow process, and production offices for feature film, Broadcast and Reality TV production companies..
