Stokes Audio Mixes Soundtrack for 'Why We Laugh'

StokesV-StudioOwner and Senior Engineer of Stokes Audio Recording & Post, Joe Stokes, is credited for his work in post-production and video editing for radio, gaming, TV and film. With SONAR and the V-Studio 700 sitting at the helm of his studio, Stokes mixed the soundtrack for his latest project, a documentary entitled ‘Why We Laugh’ for Showtime, the television network. Initially, Stokes mixed the film for launch at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival but remixed it for television airing. Earlier this year, we caught up with Joe in Tarzana, CA while he was working on the project in studio with the V-Studio 700. Click here to see our video!

Why We Laugh (produced by Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell) examines the history of African-American comedy featuring some of the most influential comics of all time – Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Eddie Griffin and Keenan Ivory Wayans. The film is airing on Showtime 2 and will be available On Demand, throughout the month of February.

Composer for TV / Film Vivek Maddala Rewarded for Works in 2009

Congratulations to Pro SONAR user, Vivek Maddala, on his election into the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Board of Directors. In his role, Maddala will serve on the Legislative and Partners committees, helping to investigate and solve the many challenges facing the film and tv music community.

Maddala’s work in composing music for film and TV has earned him international acclaim over the years. In January, his score for the film ‘They Turned Our Desert Into Fire’ won him the Gold Medal and Audience Choice Award for best music in the documentary feature category at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Later this year, Maddala hopes to wow crowds again during the premiere of ‘A Journey In My Mother’s Footsteps,’ directed by Dina Rosenmeier. The film follows ‘Jessie’ Rosenmeier’s work as an activist in India and her daughter’s resulting personal struggle and transformation. Maddala’s musical composition for this work fuses the ethnic influences of Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western culture to create ‘wistful and ebullient’ melodies.

Also slated for a 2009 release, is recording artist Wendy Starland’s new album, which Maddala co-wrote and co-produced.  Starland was named ‘VH1’s Best Emerging Artist’ and has performed live with numerous musicians including Shawn Colvin, Jonatha Brooke and Maceo Parker.

To hear Vivek’s latest projects and see his impressive resume, visit his official website.

Stokes Audio: Mixing & Post Production for Film

Stokes Audio, Recording & Post mixed the soundtrack to BET’s latest TV-to-film release, Nite Tales (as seen on BET Halloween) with SONAR. Hosted by Flavor Flav, it’s a ‘shockingly twisted’ double feature horror flick, reminiscent of the Tales from the Crypt series. Nite Tales is now available on DVD.

Stokes Audio is currently working on remixing the soundtrack for the documentary, Why We Laugh, shows at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Why We Laugh, directed by Robert Townsend, is a ‘sweeping account’ of the ebb and flow of black comedy in America.

Stokes Audio: The Independent Filmmakers Best Friend