What does a scoring mixer do?

A scoring mixer balances, shapes, and enhances the recorded elements of a film score. This includes orchestral recordings, soloists, electronic elements, and more. The goal is to translate the composer’s intention into a cohesive, emotionally powerful mix that works both musically and technically for the cinema (as part of the overall soundtrack including dialogue and sound effects), and also standalone for the soundtrack album.

How is film score mixing different from album or pop mixing?

Film score mixing combines both classical and pop techniques with a sensitivity to the need to integrate with dialogue, sound design, and overall narrative. This includes mixing in parallel for both the film and the soundtrack release, in surround/immersive and stereo. Deliverables include multichannel stems for the film’s re-recording mixers, as well as soundtrack album masters in multiple formats.

Can you mix my score even if it was recorded elsewhere?

Yes. I regularly mix projects recorded elsewhere — it is not uncommon for a project to be recorded remotely and even in multiple locations by a variety of engineers, depending on the music’s content, project budget, and other factors.

Do you offer remote mixing?

Yes. Many film, TV, and game projects are mixed remotely. Deliverables, approvals, and revisions can all be handled online, and real-time review sessions are available with picture sync as needed.

What formats do you mix in?

Stereo, 5.1, 7.1, Dolby Atmos (ADM BWF), and Sony 360 Reality Audio. I also provide Apple Digital Masters deliverables and immersive mixes that meet UMG and Apple specifications. For film mixes I typically deliver a set of 7.1.2 stems (+ object tracks if applicable).

How do I deliver my sessions for mixing?

Either as a Pro Tools session, or as a set of .wav audio files (if .wav files also include tempo maps and start timecode). Good documentation and labelling is key in either case. If delivering .wav files for a given cue/piece, all files should be the same length with the same start time (even if that means some files are 99% silence). I can also work from other DAW sessions if it makes the most sense for the project at hand.

How long does it take to mix a film score?

On average, I mix around 10 minutes of score per day, depending on orchestration complexity, revisions, and deliverables.

Do you record classical and acoustic music on location?

Yes. I record chamber groups, large ensembles, soloists, and contemporary classical works on location using high-resolution immersive techniques. I also produce, edit, mix, and master classical albums.

Do you offer Dolby Atmos for classical projects?

Absolutely, classical projects can greatly benefit from Dolby Atmos releases, which help remove the listener from their own environment and create the sense of being in the room with the artist — providing a greater sense of connection with the performance.

Do you work internationally?

Yes, I work with clients around the world, both remotely and onsite.

“It became clear to us in post that Mark puts the film and story first. When we came to a fork in the road creatively, Mark would look to the film / story / character for an answer. Drawing inspiration from the bigger picture of the project is what makes his work so great.”

— Zach Johnston & Matteo Roberts (Composers)

Film Scoring Mixer & Classical Recording Engineer | London, UK

Grammy®-winning engineer & producer delivering high-end film score mixing, classical recording, and Dolby Atmos/immersive music production

Whether recorded with a full orchestra, a hybrid ensemble, or created entirely with samples, I help bring your musical vision to life.

“Mark Willsher is an absolute pro. Great ears and complete command of the skills and technology to deliver.” — Phil Klein (Composer/Keyboardist)

“Mark produced amazing mixes of the audio to my project, for both Cinema and Streaming. Incredible clarity with every sound and dialogue crystal clear.” — Gary Louca (Composer/Producer)

Lea Tupu'anga – film score mixed by scoring mixer Mark Willsher

Ultraman Rising - film score orchestra recorded and mixed by Grammy®-winning engineer Mark Willsher

Paper Bag Plan – original score mixed by film scoring mixer Mark Willsher

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – score production and orchestral recording by Mark Willsher

Michael Franti – Stay Human album, mixed by Mark Willsher

Kaija Saariaho – Adriana Mater on Deutsche Grammophon, orchestral & Dolby Atmos mixing engineer Mark Willsher

Stravinsky Three Movements – Esa-Pekka Salonen & San Francisco Symphony, mixed by Mark Willsher

Grace – The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas on Pentatone, immersive mastering by Mark Willsher

Puppet Killer – horror comedy feature with original score mixed by Mark Willsher

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – associate music producer Mark Willsher

Secrets at Red Rocks – Emmy-nominated children’s series, main titles mixed by Mark Willsher

Soul of the Ultimate Nation – orchestral video game score mixed by Mark Willsher

The Inventor – animated feature film score mixed by Mark Willsher

Pinocchio – end title song Passo Passo mixed by Mark Willsher

Stravinsky – The Firebird, San Francisco Symphony – immersive orchestral mix by Mark Willsher

John Adams – The Dharma at Big Sur – recording engineer and mixing engineer (Skywalker Sound) Mark Willsher

Schubert String Quintet & Quartettsatz – chamber recording engineered by Mark Willsher

Haydn Op.76 Emperor & Sunrise quartets – St. Lawrence String Quartet, classical recording engineer and producer Mark Willsher

Emily Jane White – They Moved in Shadow All Together, mixed by Mark Willsher

Bartók Piano Concertos – San Francisco Symphony on Pentatone, orchestral mix by Mark Willsher

About Mark

Learn more about my work as a film scoring mixer, classical recording engineer, and immersive audio specialist.

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CONTACT

Representation: Air-Edel Associates Ltd

Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing – member, Mark Willsher

ECHO Project – immersive orchestral recording initiative featuring Mark Willsher

Audio Engineering Society member – Mark Willsher

Film scoring session with string orchestra – Mark Willsher, London-based film scoring engineer and mixer