"MIDDLEFIELD" is a short documentary which interviews several members of the "Middlefield posse," both in individual and group settings to investigate the nature and true depth of their exploits in late 1980s/ early 1990s Toronto.

As sound recordist, I was responsible for capturing clear audio. Using lavs and a boom mic, I captured and sorted each audio take, organizing them to match the appropriate video file. During recording, I was actively mixing audio levels using a multi-channel recorder to ensure everything could be heard properly and the clips weren’t peaking. This was especially vital during the group interview, wherein the group members would be speaking over each other most of the time. 

After all the audio had been captured and the video was delivered to me, I began working with director Marley Abdull to establish an overarching narrative. It was vital to introduce each member quickly, but also allow the viewer to spend some time with each person and appreciate their distinct perspectives. Editing through the 45 minute group interview was engaging; I was tasked with organizing the chaos that ensues when a group of old friends are tasked to reminisce. Music also played an important role in the tone of the film. The many facets of the posse’s history each conjured unique emotional responses so the music had to be selected appropriately. Hip-hop music was a large part of the posse’s recollection of growing up, so a few tracks were chosen by members of the group to be used in the doc, notably “Friends” by Whodini which plays during the credits.