Impact of Operator

The second film that inspired me was Operator (2015), directed by Caroline Bartleet. The film follows a fire service call handler guiding a woman trapped in a burning house. What stood out to me was Bartleet’s use of micro-elements and technical codes—particularly her masterful use of sound design to heighten emotional intensity. The soundscape in Operator is both heavy and expressive, carrying much of the emotional weight and complementing Kate Dickie’s voice performance. One particularly powerful moment occurs when the woman on the phone goes silent; as the operator calls out for her, the sound of the fire grows louder, accompanied by an intensifying ringing. This builds tension and dread, making the sudden return of the woman’s voice all the more impactful as the soundscape falls away, delivering a moment of relief and emotional release.

I sought to replicate this technique in Last Mark. During a pivotal confrontation in which Anton berates Dean, I gradually elevate the background sound and introduce a subtle ringing to intensify the scene. This sound design mirrors the rising emotional pressure, immersing the audience in the confrontation. At the climax of the moment, I abruptly drop the audio, allowing the silence to underscore the weight of the line, “Mia’s pregnant.” The contrast between the two soundscapes amplifies the emotional impact of the reveal, making it land with greater force.