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By Jennifer Foden
These two businesses may be quite different from one another—a post-production sound studio and an event venue—but what they do have in common, is work that involves tons of creativity.
Footsteps images courtesy Jeremy Benning.
Footsteps Post-Production Sound Inc.
Andy Malcolm, owner of the Uxbridge-based Footsteps Post-Production Sound Inc., has been making noise for almost 50 years. As a foley (sound effect reproduction) artist, he records everyday sounds heard in films, television shows and video games—from footsteps and creaky doors to breaking glass—since they often don’t record the same on a live production set as they actually sound in real life. “We use a lot of props—shoes, suitcases, telephones and a million and one different items—to make sounds,” Andy says.
Andy, along with 10 other employees, record in three studios on his 25-acre property. The studios include various interior and exterior surfaces like wood, tile, marble, asphalt, cobblestone, concrete as well as dirt and gravel pits. There’s a house with everything from cupboards, a fridge, stove, toilet, shower and more. There’s a functional barn, an assortment of cars and a wooden boat. There’s also a large water tank equipped with underwater microphones.
Andy has an impressive resume: he’s worked on movies like Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Dune, Don’t Look Up, Blade Runner 2049 as well as television shows like Handmaid’s Tale, Vikings and Friday Night Lights. Footsteps Post-Production Sound Inc. is the only company in Durham Region doing this type of work. His advice to companies working in a creative industry? “Just do quality work,” he says. “Your bottom line is the work you do.”
In addition to making sound for big-budget productions, Andy has delivered workshops to students across Durham Region to showcase the art of foley. Andy says the workshops are mainly to get students excited about making soundtracks for their own movies. “Most of them know a lot about shooting a film on their cameras or phones and editing the sequences together,” Andy says. “But very few of them know anything about making a soundtrack.” He adds: “As George Lucas pointed out: sound and picture are of equal importance in any movie.”
Biltmore Theatre
Here’s a little bit of history: more than 80 years ago in 1940, Biltmore Theatre, an independent movie house, opened on King Street in downtown Oshawa. It was the first of five theatres in Ontario opened by the affluent Okun brothers (the others were in Kingston, Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie and Kitchener). In the 1970s, it was sold and renamed to Odeon—yes, the chain that was eventually bought by Cineplex—and in the 1990s, it was remodelled into a music venue and has been known as the Siren, the Oshawa Music Hall, The Big Sexy, Status Lounge and Marquee Nightclub.
In 2020, Julius Kedvessy, a loyal supporter of the arts and resident of Oshawa for nearly 60 years, took ownership of the building. He gave the space some major upgrades—new lighting systems, a retractable screen over the stage, a cinema-grade projector, etc.—and gave it back its original name. The Biltmore Theatre today is now a live music and event venue.
Unfortunately, Julius passed away a year after he bought the building. “It was his hope and goal to see Biltmore Theatre reopen to its former glory,” says General Manager, Jacob Hamayda. “And provide a beacon for creativity in downtown Oshawa.” Luckily, Julius’ passions and dreams were shared with his family—especially his daughter Diana, now Biltmore Theatre’s Chief Operating Officer. “She continues to try to bring new life to the downtown area of our city,” Jacob says. “By providing a safe, inclusive space to share in the love of live music, arts and local community.”
The space itself still has some nods to the 1940s with floral carpets, a baby grand piano and Art Deco design. And, in an interesting parallel with Footsteps, the Biltmore has hosted film productions.
The Biltmore's programming ranges from international touring musicians—like Sloan and The Trews—to local art showcases, films and municipal debates. They’ve also played host to weddings. Jacob adds: “Our space is home to what’s happening in Durham Region.”
Are you thinking about starting your a creative industries business? Support is available in Durham Region. A great starting point is exploring the resources available through the Business Advisory Centre of Durham. Looking for connections to the film industry, music business, or other resources? Get in touch with us.
