Pirate Sounds Unveiled: Our Flag Means Death Season 2 Interview with Damian Del Borrello

Article Overview

Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death expands upon the triumphs of its predecessor, retaining its delightful charm and wit while embarking on exciting adventures in fresh settings with new captivating personas.

Delving deeper into the dynamic between Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard, season 2 delves into their personal struggles, shedding light on the intricate path they must navigate before rekindling their bond.

The season 2 finale of Our Flag Means Death leaves viewers eagerly anticipating a potential third season, as it hints at a wealth of untold stories still to come. Season 2 has skillfully built upon the charm and humor of its predecessor, introducing new settings, characters, and even playing with the boundaries of reality. In addition, the romantic comedy series delves deeper into the complex relationship between Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard, portrayed by Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi respectively, compelling both men to confront their personal struggles before they can move forward. While the future of Our Flag Means Death season 3 remains uncertain, the exhilarating season 2 finale assures audiences that there is much more narrative to be explored.

Joining the team for season 2 of Our Flag Means Death are new individuals, both in front of and behind the camera. One such addition is Damian Del Borrello, who has taken on the role of supervising sound editor. Del Borrello has previously showcased his talent in other popular series such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Ash vs Evil Dead. His expertise has been instrumental in bringing the most unexpected moments of Our Flag Means Death season 2 to life. Additionally, Del Borrello is also currently involved in the sound editing for Taika Waititi's upcoming remake of Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits.

In an exclusive interview with Our website, Damian Del Borrello shares his favorite moments from season 2, as well as his experience in creating immersive ship scenes and intense firefights. Please note that this interview took place during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and the existence of the show discussed here is indebted to the hard work of the union actors. This interview has been mildly edited for conciseness and clarity.

Damian Del Borrello Talks Our Flag Means Death Season 2

What were you most excited about when joining this project, and what preparation did you have to undertake?

Damian Del Borrello: The first season of the show was a great success, and personally, it took some time for me to fully appreciate it. I watched it as soon as it was released and immediately became a fan; as the season progressed, I became increasingly eager for more. When we learned that the second season would be filmed in New Zealand, we were incredibly thrilled and actively sought opportunities to be a part of it.

Our producer, Allen Marshall Palmer, provided us with a wealth of material from the first season to familiarize ourselves with its construction, as it was also well-received. The intention was to showcase the significant scale of season two. This brought a mix of excitement and anticipation. Additionally, we were fortunate to have some crew members who had previously worked on season one, such as our dialogue editor and Foley team. Through in-depth conversations with them, we gained insights into the treatment of various elements in that season. As a result, we entered season two feeling both comfortable and confident in our ability to deliver what was required, all while enjoying the process.

While the show incorporates an enjoyable twist on history, it is rooted in historical accuracy. How much importance do you place on this aspect when it comes to sound? Do you conduct research on the materials used during that time period or any related information to inform your work?

First and foremost, we prioritize treating it as a period piece. The authenticity of the environments and specific sounds associated with objects such as the ship and props are crucial. Creatively, the focus lies on achieving emotional authenticity in the characters' relationships and scenarios. From a conceptual standpoint, our aim was to support this with realism and meticulous attention to detail, raising the level of design.

The production design of the show is exceptional. The costumes, makeup, hair, sets, and ship all contribute to the credibility and enhancement of the work. Expanding the sound field and the overall soundscape was essential to further validate and elevate these elements. During spotting sessions, our showrunner, David Jenkins, frequently discussed the character who held the most significance in a particular scene, using that as a starting point for constructing Foley sounds. We amplified this with sound effects, keeping in mind the emotional essence of the scene. Authenticity appears to be the prevailing theme, encompassing the performances, sound, and production design decisions. This approach has been well received and embraced.

In this season, there are additional surreal elements introduced with the Gravy Basket and other things. When exploring these aspects, how do you balance separating it from the reality of the rest of the show while also maintaining cohesiveness?

Damian Del Borrello: It was quite a challenge. We wanted to refrain from revealing that this was a magical and ethereal world right from the start, as Blackbeard's journey involved discovering it for himself. However, we also couldn't make it entirely naturalistic, as that wouldn't align with the story and overall tone. So, we focused on working with the background. We ensured each scene in the Gravy Basket had a naturalistic backdrop, and then utilized reverbs and Dolby Atmos mixing, which allowed us to incorporate ceiling channels.

We rearranged the placement of objects in the room to create a sense of unease and intrigue, deviating from their typical positions. In particular, we were drawn to the visuals featuring Hornigold, where he had wind chimes and wooden elements. Although they appeared to be wooden, we enhanced the auditory experience by using the sound of bones clinking against each other, adding an unnerving tone. This sequence was particularly enjoyable to work on, and the music, courtesy of Mark Mothersbaugh and his incredible music team, played a significant role in enhancing the overall effect.

Did you come across any unexpected or unique sound design elements or Foley elements that were used in the series? The bone you mentioned sparked my interest.

Damian Del Borrello: To address David's desire for a heavy atmosphere in the scene, I worked closely with our Foley team, the talented Bespoke Post guys based in New Zealand. They provided me with meticulously curated tracks, which I then modified according to David's instructions. I pitched down the footsteps to add weight, enhancing the desired effect. Additionally, I collaborated extensively with the Foley team on a specific element: Blackbeard's footsteps. During the spotting session, an idea arose to give him a sound reminiscent of spurs or an old Western villain, particularly when he is in that ominous phase on the rhino horn.

They recorded a standalone metal element, not an actual spur, but it possessed the metallic quality. During the mixing process, I adjusted the balance based on the shots to intensify the sense of danger. Adding the pitch-shifted weight of the feet with the metal element heightened the menacing sound. It was reminiscent of Western films and aligned with the period piece style, making it a stylistically sound decision.

One of my favorite moments from the season occurred in episode six when we hear "La Vie En Rose" sung. This moment repeats twice. As a viewer, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I can imagine it was a challenging scene for you to put together. The scene involved singing as well as explosions and fireworks. Were those among the more complex moments in the season for you?

Episode six is undeniably the strongest in terms of the music. The score, singing, and Ned Low's violin all contribute to its brilliance. Our exceptional music editor, Steve Griffen, skillfully combined multiple recordings to create a cohesive sound. We recorded Izzy's vocals with two different microphones to ensure the perfect match. Ultimately, we favored the large diaphragm condenser microphone for its exceptional quality and used it throughout. Gareth Van Niekerk, our talented music and dialogue mixer, flawlessly blended the music with the rest of the production audio, maintaining a seamless and full tone. This sequence was a delight, not only for its technical aspects but also for its unique and unexpected story within the world of the show. The first time we saw it, we were in awe and praised the excellent decision-making.

Have you heard any discussions about a potential third season of the show, or have you come across any speculation on what it might entail? I've been keeping tabs on the Reddit forums and the fans are really hoping for it. David Jenkins seems interested, but I don't have any additional information on whether it will actually happen. We would definitely be enthusiastic about doing it. Season two was so much fun, and I believe there is still room for another season in this world, possibly just a third one. Unfortunately, I don't have any more details to share. I wish I did, but even if I did, I'm not sure if I could disclose them.

About Our Flag Means Death Season 2

Stede Bonnet searches tirelessly for his ex-lover, Captain Blackbeard, while the divided crew of the Revenge grapples with their uncertain future amidst fresh dangers and possibilities.

Catch all the episodes of season 2 of Our Flag Means Death, available for streaming on Max.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the release of Our Flag Means Death Season 2. The first season was a huge hit, and I can't wait to see what the new season has in store.

I'm especially excited to see how the relationship between Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard develops. In the first season, they had a lot of chemistry, but they were also very different people. It will be interesting to see how they work together in the new season. I'm also excited to see more of the other characters, like Jim and Oluwande. They were both great characters in the first season, and I'm sure they'll be even better in the second.