Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/990701
44 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2018 backstory, so the audience can have a personal connection with him or her," he says. "These background packages make the ninja relatable — often they're heart-warming stories." Barr's job begins when he gets several hours of footage, as well as a "string-out" — sound bites from people interviewed regarding the hometown, the competitor and anyone else relevant to the story, be they parents, co-workers or even other competitors. "I clean up the sound bites to make them sound better; then I go through all the footage to see what I have to work with," he says. Like Pierce, Barr starts with the music. "For me, music is the foundation of the house I'm building," he says. "That's where you lead the audience to what emotion you want Nick Gagnon. Kyle Barr. American Ninja Warrior. NBCUniversal