A Bristol-based specialist sound studio that has worked on award-winning natural history programmes has installed state-of-the-art equipment to keep it at the forefront of the industry.
Wounded Buffalo Sound Studios secured funding from Royal Bank of Scotland and asset finance provider Lombard to redevelop a building for the Dolby Atmos sound dubbing theatre at its Cotham studio.
The rebuild and internal fit out included excavating to get the correct room height, a full acoustic treatment for complete soundproofing and installing the 45 channel speaker system required for Dolby Atmos.
The new facility will allow Wounded Buffalo, whose clients include the BBC Natural History unit – based nearby in Whiteladies Road – Disney, National Geographic and Discovery, to produce the highest specification soundtracks for film, TV and IMAX productions.
Directors Tim Owens and Max Bygrave formed the firm in 1992 and together with award-winning sound designer Kate Hopkins have carried out post-production work on scores of wildlife and natural history programmes, including many of David Attenborough’s internationally acclaimed documentaries.
Tim Owens said: “What we provide is pretty rare outside of London, so investment in our new sound studio will really enhance Bristol’s reputation as a big player in sound production and quality on a national and global scale.
“We are excited about revealing the new studio and look forward to producing more award-winning soundtracks with some high-profile names. Royal Bank of Scotland and Lombard have worked in collaboration to support our ambitions of growing our brand in a city we are proud to be part of.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland provided £310,000 for the full structural construction costs and assistance with the internal fit out. Lombard invested a further £140,000 for the purchase of high-spec studio equipment.
Royal Bank of Scotland senior relationship manager Andy Francis added: “Tim and Mark have been customers of ours for over 24 years so it’s fair to say we know their business very well and what they want to achieve as individuals. It has been really exciting to see the studio taking shape over the past two years and we have no doubt it will lead on to greater things.”
Pictured, from left: Phil Ollerenshaw of Lombard, Andy Francis of Royal Bank of Scotland, designer Andy Allan, head of operations Diana Smith, and Wounded Buffalo directors Max Bygrave and Tim Owens
