Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1515068
Spring 2024 – LOCAL695.COM 37 While attempting to use our underwater ambient microphone, unfortunately, it picked up everything. Literally everything from motors, engines, generators, underwater crews, The Miranda, and more. However, our final attempt to use the waterproof microphone was the underwater photography of young Diana screaming in distress. The results were amazing and used in the film. At lunchtime, our hardworking crew would get cleaned up, enjoy a relaxing meal, and then a rest. I, too, usually would have a rest. Some days, I would swim laps in the tank with the stunt women. The effect of the infinity pool gave the illusion that our bodies were gliding through the ocean. Truly a beautiful sight. One amazing perk working in the Dominican Republic is that I could swim most days in the ocean or the beautiful seaside swimming pools. This gave me time to think and plan the next day's challenges of recording clean dialog on NYAD. Watching Annette swimming laps in pre-production, it was shocking how much she resembled the real Diana Nyad. She trained for a year and her resemblance and stamina were amazing. Jodie was also in the gym most days and trained for months. Both actors' displays of athleticism inspired me. The passion and the energy surrounding the production was absolutely infectious. The more I look back on this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity, I'm truly grateful and proud. "Onward!" "Dream big and dare to fail." -Diana Nyad "This project had many challenges. Most equipment cannot be replaced in the Dominican Republic, and it can take up to six weeks to be shipped in. This is important because saltwater is very damaging to equipment." –Püd Cusack Sound Mixer Püd Cusack CAS, Alex Burstein, Boom Operator, and Utility Sound/2nd Boom Dia Donnelly Tato Vargas, Alex Burstein, Püd Cusack, Diana Nyad, Dia Donnelly Alex Burstein booming Annette Bening & Jodie Foster