Alumni talent and cutting-edge audio mixing facilities put Belmont at the heart of ‘Sketch’
When the new feature film “Sketch” needed its final sound mix, the production team turned to Belmont’s Johnson Center theater — one of the first university-based facilities in the world equipped with Dolby Atmos, the same immersive sound technology used in Hollywood blockbusters. The team behind the film included Belmont alumni from every angle, with many involved in the production and alumnus Cody Fry (‘12) who composed the score.
For Professor of Practice of Motion Pictures Dave Warburton, who teaches post-production sound in Belmont’s Motion Pictures Production program, the project represented more than just an impressive credit for Belmont’s facilities. It was also a milestone moment for one of his former students: Jade Dickey (’24), who returned to campus just a year after graduating to help run the Dolby Atmos mix as a professional.
“Professionals Came to Use My Classroom”
Warburton, who spent eight years running mix stages at NBCUniversal before joining Belmont, said the project showcased the caliber of the Johnson Center theater and the students who learn there.
“Professionals came to us to use my classroom to finish their movie,” he explained. “And because Jade knew the room so well, I could leave at night knowing everything would run smoothly. That says everything about how well our students are prepared.”
Inside My Dolby Atmos Movie Mix
Dallas Taylor gives a behind-the-scenes look into the Dolby Atmos mix at Belmont, where the Defacto Sound team finalized the Sketch Movie, directed by Seth Worley. You’ll see how months of sound design, foley and creature effects come together, and how Atmos objects are placed for full 3D immersion. You’ll also get a look at the final Dolby Print Master, with composer Cody Fry (Belmont alumnus) in the audience hearing the mix for the first time.
A Full-Circle Moment
For Dickey, an audio engineering technology (AET) major and music minor, returning to the Johnson Center theater as a professional was powerful.
“It was a full circle moment,” she said. “Working in the same space where I did my student projects, but this time as a professional, made me feel like everything paid off. I felt properly prepared for the skills to actually do the job. I was pretty emotional the whole week.”
After graduating in May 2024, Dickey interned at Seismic Sound in Nashville, working on the CMA Fest TV special. By September, she had landed a full-time role as an associate sound designer at Defacto Sound. There, she edits dialogue and mixes for the award-winning podcast 20,000 Hertz, while also contributing to high-profile trailers and commercials.
Mixing “Sketch”
When “Sketch” came through Belmont’s Atmos theater, Dickey’s role was hands on. She prepped Belmont’s Avid S6 console — the industry’s flagship for film mixing — and worked alongside her boss, Dallas Taylor, to shape the immersive soundscape. “I was on Pro Tools the whole time, making edits and adjustments, and we made creative decisions together about how things should be mixed and placed in the space,” she explained. “It was terrifying at first, but once we got into the flow of things, I felt confident.”
The most unforgettable moment came at the end of the process, during what’s called the “print master” — the final recording of the mix that goes to theaters. “That was the biggest wow moment,” she recalled. “I hit record knowing this was it — no more changes. It was going to theaters forever. Listening to it with the director, producer and composer in the room was incredible.”
From Classroom to Credit Roll
Warburton pointed out that while Belmont doesn’t “make calls” to get alumni hired, the strength of their preparation consistently opens doors. “Our goal is to get students as prepared as possible to leave here and be able to go get a job the next day,” he said. “On ‘Sketch,’ I was watching the end credits roll and saw half a dozen of our former students’ names. That’s when you know it’s working.”
Dickey agreed, crediting both the breadth of the AET program and Belmont’s growing emphasis on post audio through courses like post audio, sound-for-picture and advanced sound design that gave her the specialized training she needed to transition smoothly to the working world.
And while those gave her technical skills and helped her develop a good ear, she also emphasized the importance of mentorship from professors like Warburton.
“I really feel like I owe Dave my entire career,” she said. “Even before applying to Defacto, I would reach out to him about internships and advice. He’s the one who suggested Seismic Sound, and that set everything in motion.”
Jade’s Advice for Students
Thinking about a career in sound for film? Here’s Jade’s advice for current Belmont students:
- “Really focus on getting to know Pro Tools. It’s the industry standard, and learning it in college made a huge difference for me.”
- “Make a reel — even 30 seconds — of your best sound design work and show your full range.”
- “Reach out to people. Belmont alumni and faculty were so willing to give me advice and feedback. People in this industry want to help you succeed.”
Opening New Paths
For Dickey, the experience is proof that audio careers extend far beyond music studios. “I hope this shows students there are so many worlds of audio to explore — film, television, games, advertising,” she said. “Post audio is growing, and it’s really fun. I hope this inspires students to see what’s possible.”
As for what’s next, Dickey hopes “Sketch” is just the beginning. “I love my work at Defacto, and I hope this opens the door for more feature films. Movies give you a whole different creative challenge — and it’s amazing to be part of that world.”
The Takeaway
From cutting-edge Dolby Atmos facilities to mentorship and curriculum that prepare students for real-world challenges, Belmont equips graduates to thrive. For Dickey, that preparation turned into something extraordinary: a seat at the console, mixing a movie for theaters just one year after graduation.
Learn More
Study AET or Motion Pictures at Belmont