We were lucky to catch up with Haoqian (eric) He recently and have shared our conversation below.
Haoqian (Eric), we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose in the film industry during my sophomore year in university, through an unexpected opportunity to work as a boom operator for a friend’s project. At the time, I only knew I loved filmmaking and wanted to be a part of it, but I wasn’t sure what specific role I should pursue.
One scene, in particular, became a turning point for me. It was a pivotal moment where the camera followed an actor rushing into a fake chemical laboratory room. The room was perfectly dressed, as the G&E team and the Production Designer finished their work. At that time, only the Camera Operator and I, holding the boom mic, were left to follow the actor through the space. As I moved my mic just out of the frame, capturing the sound of the actor’s breathing, the subtle rustle of their clothing, the faint hum of the equipment, and the unique textures of every prop, I had an epiphany. The microphone, in that moment, felt like an invisible camera—one that captures the subconscious images for the audience, adding depth and authenticity to the story. I realized that sound is as vital as visuals in storytelling.
From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a Production Sound Mixer. My goal is to capture the soundscapes on set that serve the audience’s subconscious, helping to bring stories to life in the most immersive and authentic way possible.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a Production Sound Mixer, my job is all about capturing the sound that helps bring a story to life. I’ve been working in film sound for over three years now, and I love being on set, boom in hand, making sure every little detail—dialogue, footsteps, even the subtlest ambient sounds—gets recorded just right. Sound is something that often goes unnoticed in a film, but it’s absolutely essential to creating an immersive experience for the audience, and I’m proud to play a part in that.
Right now, I’m super excited about an upcoming project called Whispers of Home. It’s a short film that tells the coming-of-age story of an Iranian girl and her family tragedy, filled with emotional depth and beautiful musical elements. The film is directed by Sahar Ghorishi, an incredibly talented young filmmaker and a friend of mine who is studying directing at Chapman University. We’ll be starting production in just a few weeks, and I can’t wait to jump in and help bring her vision to life.
For me, sound is more than just a technical element—it’s part of the storytelling magic. I always say the microphone is like an invisible camera; it captures the unseen and brings it to the audience in a way that feels real and raw. That’s what I love most about what I do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think three skills have been especially important in my journey as a Production Sound Mixer.
The first is communication. Whether it’s working with the producer, collaborating with the director, or coordinating with the crew and actors on set, clear communication keeps everything running smoothly.
The second is networking. I’ll admit, I’m not naturally the most social person, but I’ve learned that building connections is key in this industry. Meeting people, staying in touch, and being open to collaboration can lead to amazing opportunities.
The third is empathy. Film sets are often high-pressure environments where everyone is working under tight schedules and immense stress. Having empathy and understanding what others are going through can make a big difference. Whether it’s helping a team member solve a small problem or simply leasing to other people’s complain, empathy improves the workflow and creating a positive environment on set.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Lately, I’ve been feeling somewhat stuck and unsure about how to take the next step in my career. I’ve been working on a lot of vertical web dramas recently. While some of them have interesting scripts and ideas, they’re quite different from traditional film productions. The fast-paced working flow of these projects can sometimes take away from the creative joy that filmmaking brings.
My goal is to gain more experience and opportunities that can help me move closer to joining the union and working on more feature films. However, most of the work I’m getting right now is still centered around these vertical dramas. To address this, I’m planning to re-organize my schedule and actively seek out more short films or horizontal-format commercial projects. I hope these opportunities will not only help me grow as a sound mixer but also bring me closer to the type of work I truly aspire to do. It’s a balancing act, but I believe by staying focused and proactive, I can keep progressing toward my long-term goals and get successes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericsoundstudio.univer.se/
- Instagram: eric_hehq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010653854967
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haoqian-he-eric
Image Credits
Picture 1 photographer: Yangsiyu Gao
Picture 2 photographer: Blaine Harrington IV Photography, from the Academy Gold Rising Internship Program graduation ceremony.
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