InterBEE REVIEW2012 (EN)

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78Introduction of digital sound for the London Olympics Sawaguchi: “What will your future role at the Olympics be?”Baxter: “In addition to sound design work, which I previously did at the Olympics for a long time, I have worked alone in sound production as well as the numerous jobs involved with its related technology. However, I increased the number of staff for the London Olympics because the workload has continuously increased. For the London Olympics I concentrated my efforts solely on sound production. I was able to look at the overall picture by focusing on high-quality Olympic sound that will take us to the future.”“At the London Olympics we used nothing but digital outside broadcast vans and peripheral equipment for the first time. One person commented that it was the best sound they had ever heard at the Olympics”. I replied that that’s because the high-quality sound was all created digitally.”“Now that the London Olympics has finished, I am in the process of coming up with some good ideas for the next Olympics in Brazil. While watching the Olympics in close detail, I got a clear vision of what I want to do. To achieve that vision I will be working on technical improvements and computer program enhancements while building a collabora-tive partnership with various sporting organizations. I will also present some new ideas on broadcasting improve-ment to sporting organizations.”Sawaguchi: “What has inspired you to carry out sound design over many years for large-scale sport events such as the Olympics?”Baxter: “I love a challenge. I knew it wasn’t going to be simple and it took me a long time to understand the reason for this. I have carried out broadcasting jobs by using methods that suited me and were an improve-ment on previous methods, and I continue to feel like this towards the Olympics. This has made me the person I am and I still get a buzz from doing things in a fresh and unusual way.”“The Olympics is a special event to many people. One of the things that has developed with the Olympics is sound. However, while video has developed at an astonishing rate hand-in-hand with the Olympics, the evolution of sound is lagging behind. Consequently, sound is now attracting a lot of interest. Produc-ers need to recognize that sound is crucial to make better programs.”Deepened trust of Olympic work through Audio-Technica collaboration Sawaguchi: “Do you collaborate with Japanese manufacturers?”Baxter: “I was introduced to a company called Audio-Technica by a contact from Panasonic in 1997, and I have been working with them ever since. That meeting was a great opportunity for both of us. I am very grateful for and proud of this excellent relationship.” “When I suggest something they give me the immediate go-ahead and think about how they can help me.” We worked together at the Atlanta Olympics and also at Sydney. For example, if I request more stereo microphones, they have them prepared for me one year later. Audio-Technica has a great deal of trust in my vision.”

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