totoro – sound design rework
For my excerpt from My Neighbor Totoro (1988), I reimagined the scene’s sonic environment entirely from scratch, avoiding reference to the original score. Built in Ableton using layers of ambiences, extracted dialogue, natural and synthetic effects, the piece featured rhythmic synthesized motifs inspired by Mort Garson’s Plantasia and the stylized timing of Delicatessen (1991). I used Mickey Mousing techniques to align sound tightly with character movement and created effects like buzzing flies and plant growth using synthesis alone. Original foley—including vegetable crunches and breath-blown wind—added tactile depth. The goal was to create a whimsical, otherworldly atmosphere while respecting the scene’s gentle emotional tone.
I was responsible for sound, while my friend Lewis Davidson handled the music.