Overview

The Beijing Film Academy (BFA) is China’s only educational film production academy and the largest film academy in Asia. Founded in 1950, BFA developed a multilevel, multidisciplinary cultivation system that embraces the entire spectrum of filmmaking. These disciplines include production, creation, and research for training advanced film talents. Accomplished BFA graduates include such award-winning directors as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Jia Zhangke and cinematographer/director Gu Changwei. In 2017 BFA Sound School Chief Sound Engineer, Sean Song proposed the addition of a state-of-the-art Film Scoring Stage. With the approval of the BFA Management Group, Mr. Song reached out to WSDG Guangzhou-based representative, Victor Cañellas. A series of video calls and in person meetings, culminating with the formal presentation of a design and budgetary proposal, confirmed BFA’s decision to award the project to WSDG.

Program

A 2600 SF space on the BFA campus was the site for the new Film Scoring Stage. Engaging their entire 60+ member global team of designers, architects, acousticians, systems integrators and project managers, and working closely with Sean Song and a team of BFA professors, WSDG developed a sprawling complex encompassing the entire original 2600 SF space and featuring a 1550 SF Live Room capable of hosting an entire 50+ member symphonic orchestra. In addition to impeccable acoustics, the live room also features large screen film projection for the conductor, composers, and musicians. The complex includes a spacious 540 SF Control Room, a smaller Practice Room and a Sound Lock.

Design

Developed to host instructors and several students seated in the rear, the Control Room was precisely designed to provide students with visual connectivity to the instructor at the mixing position and to the orchestra in the Live Room. Acoustic concerns were addressed by the installation of a large custom rear-wall resonator and a custom-designed ceiling cloud. Fabric covered front and side-wall resonators fine-tuned listening quality throughout the room. Color coordination, lighting and related aesthetics for the entire complex were designed by WSDG Partner/Art Director, Silvia Molho. The studio’s exceptional HVAC system was designed by Mr. Liu Bin from China Radio, Film & TV Design and Research Institute Co.Ltd. Equipment selection and system design were primarily handled by BFA’s Mr. Sean Song, with valuable suggestions from the team of BFA professors. This collaboration ensured that the studio offers both excellent usability and the flexibility to adapt to various needs.