This shows how the sound of a pool drain was used as an element for electrical sparks in StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops. I recorded this at a hot spring resort outside of Kimberley Alpine Resort in Canada.

Our hearing can be astonishingly aware of authenticity in a vocal performance without physicality. In this case, the sound of us running while screaming made this cutscene from StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops more believable than if we were just stationary yelling in a recording studio. We strategically placed several microphone rigs for the perspectives we needed, and then recorded a variety of panic bys and dynamic tracking shots outdoors with individuals and groups. Combining the best takes gave us the girth we needed, and the natural reflections of the exterior space glued the sound to the scene. Gary Zacuto of Shoreline Studios did a fantastic job sound editing and mixing this.

I heard these guys flying their FPV (first-person view) drones around during lunch one day and asked them if we could set up a time where they try crazy tricks while buzzing our microphones. They agreed! These things are so fast and maneuverable in the hands of capable pilots! We had several stationary and hand-tracked microphone rigs recording several different drones.