Projects / Documentary Film
Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors
Sound design and a Dolby Atmos re-recording mix for Lion Television's Netflix documentary, nominated for five Daytime Emmy Awards.
Overview
Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors is a feature documentary for Netflix exploring one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in human history.
As re-recording mixer and sound designer, the project provided an opportunity to create a richly immersive soundtrack that balanced historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling.
Combining interviews, archive material and dramatic reconstructions, the production required a soundtrack capable of conveying both the intimacy of archaeological discovery and the epic scale of the Qin Dynasty.
Raudio's Role
raudio was sound designer and re-recording mixer on the film, delivering the Dolby Atmos mix that carries the documentary's archaeological detail and its large-scale dramatic reconstructions in equal measure, from initial sound design through to final Netflix delivery.
Services Provided
- Dolby Atmos Mixing
- Re-recording Mixing
- Sound Design
- Final Deliverables
- Netflix Delivery Requirements
Building Ancient China
A significant proportion of the documentary relied on dramatic reconstruction, requiring extensive world-building and environmental storytelling.
Fully realised sound effects beds were created to support excavation environments, ancient interiors and large-scale battle sequences.
Additional Foley and sound design support was also required to help bring the elaborate costumes and environments to life, adding weight, movement and drama to the reconstructed scenes.
The result was a rich and believable sonic world that helped transport audiences back over two thousand years.
Storytelling Through Sound
One of the most memorable sequences depicted groups of women being transported to the construction site in old wooden carts.
The score for these scenes was exceptionally powerful and heightened the emotional impact considerably. Rather than overwhelming the sequence, a restrained and subtle approach to sound design was adopted, using carefully crafted environmental details and textures to communicate the growing sense of dread and uncertainty.
Moments such as these demonstrated the importance of knowing when to step back and allow music, performance and atmosphere to work together in service of the story.
Bringing Ancient Battles to Life
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was designing and mixing the large-scale battle sequences.
Dolby Atmos provided the opportunity to place the audience directly within the battlefield itself, delivering a fully immersive experience that conveyed both the scale and chaos of ancient warfare.
Arrows flew overhead, cavalry charged through the sound field and the distant roar of approaching armies gradually enveloped the audience.
These moments demonstrated the true power of immersive audio — not simply to create spectacle, but to transport the audience into another world and allow them to experience history in a deeply engaging way.
Dolby Atmos & Delivery
Mixed and delivered in Dolby Atmos, the project demanded careful consideration of both creative storytelling and technical delivery requirements.
Environmental elements, transitions and spot effects were positioned throughout the Atmos space to maximise immersion whilst preserving clarity and emotional connection.
The production was also completed to meet full Netflix delivery specifications, ensuring the soundtrack translated successfully across a wide range of playback environments whilst maintaining the integrity of the immersive mix.
Key Challenges
- Building convincing Qin Dynasty environments
- Creating fully realised sound effects beds
- Enhancing dramatic reconstructions
- Designing large-scale battle sequences
- Creating movement and scale in Dolby Atmos
- Balancing subtle emotional storytelling with cinematic spectacle
- Delivering full Netflix Atmos specifications
Behind The Work
Featured Insight
Pete Rowe discusses the creative opportunities and challenges of mixing in Dolby Atmos for Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors.
Pete Rowe, Radiant Spotlight interviewRead More → Radiant Spotlight interview.
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