Drive to Survive is all about the energy and passion of Formula 1 racing, and this promo reflects that. We collaborated with sound designers at Netflix to complete the final mix. The team at Netflix created a music-centric trailer with a constant click, redolent of a stopwatch counting down to the start of another dramatic season. The clicks link perfectly with the visuals – a helmet visor snapping shut, the lights going out, a spectacular crash – matching the synchronicity of driver and machine. Our goal was to emphasize this rhythm and add to the excitement throughout the trailer.

The promo starts with repeated powerful percussive hits, creating a push and pull that gets the viewer amped up. We use brief moments of silence to further emphasize these, resulting in a series of sharp peaks and valleys that reflect the high speed nature of the sport itself. As well as the clicking soundtrack, sound effects from the cars are combined into the score. Roaring engines become EDM-style buildups, while gear changes act as percussive drum fills. Meanwhile, details like the squeak of a whiteboard pen or the crack of a shotgun provide touches of realism. Finally, the clicks are joined by ascending orchestral string hits, as we reach the promo’s crescendo.

NETWORK: Netflix
SOUND DESIGN/MIX: Defacto Sound