Lester Wong: The Sound Wizard behind ＂Guang＂
The Journey of a Talented Audio Engineer from Malaysia to International Success
It has been five years since the Malaysian film “Guang” was first released, but its exceptional quality, heartwarming plot, and beautiful sounds, has made it one of the best Malaysian films of all time. Directed by Quek Shio Chuan, the film tells the story of an autistic man with a gift for music. The protagonist, played by Kyo Chen, struggles to connect with others but finds solace in his self-made piano-esque instrument. For a film like “Guang”, where music plays a vital role in the storytelling, the sound needed to be impeccable. Today, we delve into the story of how a sound designer’s dedication and determination led to his breakthrough in the critically acclaimed drama "Guang."
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lester Wong began his journey into the world of sound and music technolog at a young age. His interest in music made him a multi- instrumentalist by the age of 11, and by the time he was 15, he was proficient in songwriting and digital recording. After an educational background in audio engineering at Limkokwing University, he pursued a career at Imaginex Studios, where he worked on numerous commercials, films and TV projects. Wong's expertise in audio engineering spans a variety of tasks, including recording, dialog editing, sound effects editing, music editing, sound design, Foley, mixing, and even taking on the role of voice acting.
In 2018, Lester Wong's wide array of talents were put to the test when he took on the role of sound designer and editor for "Guang." “Guang” required a sensitive and musical approach to sound design and editing, as the film relied heavily on the auditory experience to convey the protagonist's world. Wong's innovative and meticulous work, paired with his knowledge of music theory, was crucial in creating a soundscape that communicated the emotions and challenges faced by the main character. The result was a rich, immersive sonic environment that played a significant role in the film's critical acclaim.
Lester Wong went to great lengths to ensure the authenticity of the sounds used in "Guang." The self-made musical instrument revealed at the climax, being the central focus of the film, required the most attention. Wong collaborated closely with the director and producers to carefully select and record the unique sounds that would best represent the protagonist's journey. Additionally, he employed various techniques to manipulate the instrument’s sounds, creating a unique auditory experience that reflected the character's emotional state.
Beyond the music, Wong also crafted a meticulously detailed soundscape to support the film's narrative. From subtle environmental sounds to the powerful use of silence, he skillfully manipulated every auditory element to enhance the story and evoke a deep emotional response from the audience.
The success of "Guang" and the praise garnered for its innovative sound design can be attributed to Lester Wong's unwavering dedication and determination. His work on the film earned him widespread recognition and further established his reputation as an accomplished audio engineer in the industry, receiving the endorsement from industry giants from all over the world.
Lester Wong's journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work and persistence. As he continues to refine his skills and work on new projects, there's no doubt that the world will be hearing more from this talented sound wizard in the years to come.
(来源：新视线)
