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RICARDO SOUSA   ︎media crossbreeding | audiovisionaut | sound studies | shutter tickler


Ricardo Sousa is a sound designer, editor, and audio post-production specialist with over 20 years of professional experience in film, television, and the performing arts. Having developed his career across Portugal and Scandinavia, he has contributed to numerous fiction and documentary productions for platforms and broadcasters with wordwide distribution such as Netflix, TV2 Denmark and DR. His roles have included re-recording mixer, dialogue and effects editor, and location sound recordist, working with major production companies such as Nordisk FIlm, SF Film Production, Final Cut for Real, Plus Pictures, and Cosmo Film.

Alongside his work in audiovisual media, he has maintained an active practice in the field of performing arts, creating sound design and original music for contemporary dance, physical theatre, and performance art. He has collaborated with institutions including Dansk Danseteater, Black Box Dance Company, Dansehallerne, GöteborgsOperan, and the Gothenburg English Studio Theatre. These experiences reflect a sustained engagement with sound as a medium for expression, spatial composition, and artistic inquiry.

In 2021, Ricardo began transitioning into academic research, culminating in the completion of a Master’s degree in Sound Production and Technologies at Lusófona University in Lisbon. His dissertation, titled “Sonic Materialism vs. Auditory Culture: Is There (Still) a Place for Sonic Matter in Auditory Culture?”, offered a critical analysis of the philosophical and epistemological tensions between sonic materialism and auditory culture in contemporary sound studies. This research laid the foundation for a broader inquiry into sound as both an emergent phenomenon and a mode of knowledge production.

While completing his Master’s, he has been consolidating a research trajectory that integrates artistic practice with theoretical reflection, drawing from sound studies, embodied cognition, and sensory epistemologies. This academic direction builds naturally on his extensive professional experience and now forms the basis of his proposed doctoral project.

Ricardo’s practice encompasses technical and creative expertise in immersive audio formats (including Dolby Atmos and Ambisonics), interactive systems programming (such as Max/MSP and TouchDesigner), and sound for digital media and live performance. These tools serve as integral components of his exploration into innovative methodologies for artistic research.

Prior to his Master’s degree, he completed an Audio Engineering Diploma at SAE Institute in Amsterdam and pursued a BSc in Physics and Chemistry Education at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. This interdisciplinary academic background continues to inform his research at the intersection of sound, science, art, and philosophy.

He is a member of the Danish Film Academy (DFI) and was selected for the national showcase Jovens Criadores (Young Creators) organized by CPAI (Clube Português de Artes e Ideias) in 2003. His unique combination of artistic experience and emerging theoretical focus positions him to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sound studies as an interdisciplinary field.

    Lisbon, 2025.


auralworks at gmail dot com

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ACADEMIC OUTPUTS


  • MA Dissertation
    “Sonic Materialism vs. Auditory Culture: Is There (Still) a Place for Sonic Matter in Auditory Culture?”

    Abstract
    This thesis explores the tensions between sonic materialism and auditory culture, questioning the significance of ontological conceptions of sound within its contemporary study. It foregrounds sound’s dual identity as a physical phenomenon and a culturally mediated experience and addresses its problematic definition as an object of study.
    By examining philosophical debates surrounding physicalist and phenomenological interpretations of sound, the investigation underlines the strains between objective perspectives and subjective perceptions. It also explores the philosophical foundations of sonic materialism, the role of aural affect in shaping emotional and social resonance, as well as the integration of embodied cognition in understanding the impact of sound on human experience.
    Critiquing sensory hierarchies that privilege visual epistemologies, the work proposes a redefinition of ‘sonic thinking’ as a framework for research and interpretation that bridges the material, perceptual and embodied dimensions of sound. Through critical reflection and consideration of the interdisciplinary nature of its study, sound is positioned as both a cultural force and a vital epistemological tool. The transformative potential of sound studies to reshape research in the humanities is emphasised, generating new perspectives on the interplay between materiality, perception, and meaning in an increasingly mediated and sound-saturated world.

    Keywords: Sound Studies, Sonic Materialism, Auditory Culture, Embodied Cognition, Sonic Thinking

    - DOWNLOAD


  • Materialismo Sónico e Cultura Auditiva | conference presentation
    XXVII Cinema and Media Arts International Week, ULHT, ECATI, Portugal. 

  • "Relacionar Criação e Investigação: Testemunhos em Mesa-Redonda” | roundtable participation
    presentation of artwork - graviton II - (practice based artistic research) - XXV Cinema and Media Arts International Week, ULHT, ECATI, Portugal.




LOG  |  Film & TV  |  audio post-production


  • Alfa | dialog and sound effects editor, foley recordist, editor and mixer
Fiction series (8 episodes) written and directed by Milad Avaz. Produced by SF Studios and Rocket Road Pictures for TV2 PLAY and TV2 Zulu, Denmark.

  • Into the Deep | additional sound design, sound effects editor, foley editor, foley recordist
Feature documentary directed by Emma Sullivan. Produced by: Mette Heide and Roslyn Walker for Netflix.

Feature documentary directed by Rami Farah. Produced by Lyana Saleh & Signe Byrge Sørensen for OSOR (FR), Sant & Usant (NO) & Shashat Multimedia Productions (JO) and Final Cut for Real (DK).

Fiction series (12 of 24 episodes). Produced by Cosmo Film for TV2 Denmark.

Fiction series (6 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Charlie, Denmark.

Fiction series (6 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

Fiction series (6 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Charlie, Denmark.

Documentary directed by Jessica Nilsson. Produced by House Of Real.

Feature film directed by Jeppe Vig Find and Marie Dalsgaard Rønn.

Feature documentary directed by Christy Garland. Produced by Murmur Media, Final Cut for Real.

Fiction series (10 episodes). Produced by Cosmo Film for TV2 Denmark.

  • Forbrydelsen | sound editor, re-recording mixer
    Documentary series (6 episodes). Produced by Extra Bladet for Discovery Networks Danmark.

Fiction series (6 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

Fiction series (24 episodes). Produced by Cosmo Film for TV2 Denmark.

Feature documentary directed by Kaspar Astrup Schröder. Produced by Sonntag Pictures.

Feature documentary directed by Alexander Lind. Produced by House Of Real. World premiere CPH DOX 2017.

Feature documentary directed by Sven Vinge. Produced by House Of Real. World premiere CPH DOX 2017.

Fiction series (7 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

Feature documentary directed by David Borenstein. Produced by House Of Real with support from the Danish Film Institute.

  • Bitch | supervising sound editor, sound designer, re-recording mixer
Feature film written and directed and produced by Csaba Bene Perlenberg, produced by Creative Corpse.

Feature film directed by Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson. Produced by SF Film Production with support from The Danish Film Institute.

Fiction series (7 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

  • Jagten | dialog and sound effects editor, re-recording mixer
Documentary series (2 Seasons, 7+7 episodes) directed by Miki Mistrati for Extra Bladet / TV3 Denmark.

Fiction series (24 episodes). Produced by Cosmo Film for TV2 Denmark.

Feature documentary directed by Andreas Haaning Christiansen. Premiered at CPH DOX 2015.

  • Den Bedste Alder | sound editor, re-recording mixer
Documentary series (4 episodes). Produced and directed by Jella Bethman for Achtung Film. Broadcasted by DR K Denmark.

Feature film directed by Christian Tafdrup. Produced by Nordisk Film.

Documentary series (5 episodes) directed by Kasper Astrup Schröder for Ramasjang Denmark.

Documentary feature film by Hele Toft Jensen. Produced by SPOR Media. Broadcasted by DRK Denmark.

Fiction series (7 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

  • Tetra Pak Market Watch | location sound recordist
Corporate video for Tetra Pak Sweden. Produced by CTN Communications London.

  • Dit Hjem i Vores Hænder | sound editor, re-recording mixer
Documentary series (3 episodes). Produced by Strix. Broadcasted by Kanal5, Denmark.

  • Husmorens Storhed og Fald | sound editor, re-recording mixer
Documentary series (4 episodes) produced by Jella Bethman for Achtung Film. Broadcasted by DR K, Denmark. 

Fiction series (6 episodes). Produced by SF Film Production for TV2 Denmark.

Documentary directed by Miki Mistrati. Produced by made in copenhagen.

Feature fiction/documentary directed by Peter Anthony. Produced by Statement Film.

Documentary by Andreas Koefoed. Nominated in the Best Music Documentary category at IDFA in Amsterdam and CPH:DOX in Copenhagen.

  • Den Enfaldige Mördaren | sound mixer
Promo trailer for theatre play. Directed and produced by C.B. Perlenberg for Helsingborg Stadsteater. Helsingborg, SWE.

Short film directed by Carin Bräck.

  • Logan | location sound recordist
Short film directed by Andreas Climent & André Hedetoft.

  • Änglapiss | location sound recordist, sound designer, re-recording mixer
Pilot scenes for (2×2′) directed by Csaba Bene Perlenberg, Helsingborg, SWE.

  • 21 | sound editor, sound designer, re-recording mixer
Short film directed by Csaba Bene Perlenberg. Co-produced by Film i Skåne, Malmo, Sweden.

  • Nervosa | sound designer / music producer 
    Short film (4’39”, 3D animation / miniDV). Directed and produced by Pedro Pinto, Lisbon, PT.



LOG  |  Performing Arts  |  sound design, music production, photo/videography 


  • Diary of a Madman | sound designer, videographer, animator
Dance-theatre performance directed by Tim Rushton / Csongor Szabo, performed by C. Szabo. Produced by Dansk Danseteater.

  • MEN | photographer, videographer
Choreography by Edhem Jesenkovic. Production (camera, edit and grading) of promotional teaser and performance trailer. Video documentation and editing of full performance. Press photos and main visual promotional materials.

  • Den Røde Ballon | photographer
Press photos for Den Røde Ballon, a dance performance by Dansk Danseteater.

  • Oure Dans  | videographer
Promo video production for the Dance Line of Oure Sport & Performing Arts School.

  • Dansk Danseteater at Louisiana Skulpturpark | photographer
Exhibition @ Dansehallerne, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Series of nine photographs produced during Danish Dance Theater’s presentations at Louisiana Museum’s Sculpture Park.

  • Rød | videographer
Production (camera, edit and color correction) of a promotional trailer for “Rød” a dance program by by Dansk Danseteater.

  • Rites | sound designer, music producer
Choreography by Alessandro de Sousa Pereira for the program “Viva, Vive!” by Black Box Dance Company, Holsterbro, Denmark. Performed in Denmark and Brazil.

  • SACRE | photo and video documentarist
Photo/video documentation of the development of a pedagogic project and dance performance co-produced by Copenhagen Phil (Sjællands Symfoniorkester), Danish Dance Theatre, Dansehallerne and Østre Gasværk Teater.

  • Walking In The Night | videographer
Production (camera, edit and color correction) of a promotional trailer for the program “Walking In The Night” by Dansk Danseteater.

  • Aura Cords | sound designer, music producer
    Choreography by Ana Sendas. Presented live at Dansehallerne, for Dance Delicious, a program by Dansk Danseteater, Copenhagen, DK.

  • Half Pill | sound designer, music producer
    Choreography by Ana Sendas. Presented live at Dansehallerne, as part of Dance Delicious, produced by Dansk Dansteater, Copenhagen, DK.

  • White Blur | sound designer, music producer 
    Choreography by Ana Sendas. Presented live at Diamant Natten, The Royal Library, for Dansk Danseteater, Copenhagen, DK.

  • Expectations | sound designer, music producer 
    Theatre staged by GEST (The Gothenburg English Speaking Theatre), Teater Trixter, Göteborg, SWE.

  • After The End | sound designer / music producer 
    Theatre by GEST (The Gothenburg English Studio Theatre), staged at Folkteatern, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • Cell | sound designer / music producer / video programmer
    Choreography by Ana Sendas. Presented live at the Choreographic Workshop 2007, Göteborgs Operan, Göteborg, SWE.

  • The Collector | sound designer / music producer 
    Theatre play by GEST (The Gothenburg English Studio Theatre), staged at Hagateatern, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • Random Dark Materials | sound designer / music producer 
    Choreography by André Mesquita. Presented live at Programa Concetto. Almada Dance Company, Almada, PT. 

  • SubsTanz* | sound designer, music and video producer 
    Choreography by Ana Sendas. Presented live at Dance Week 2003. Dançarte Company, Palmela, PT.

        *Official Selection - Music Category - Young Creators National Showcase. Portuguese Club of Arts and Ideas – CPAI July 2004
       – presented live at the Young Creators National Showcase, CPAI, Silves, Portugal.

  • Over the Hiccups | sound designer
    Choreography by Ana Sendas for the spring season of Dançarte Company. Palmela, PT.



LOG | Commercial and Corporate


  • Telia Sonera Business Services | sound designer, music producer
    Corporate video produced by BobbyWorks, Göteborg, SWE.

  • Ericsson Fixed Wireless Terminal | sound designer / music producer
    Corporate commercial produced by BobbyWorks, Göteborg, SWE.

And previously, while employed at:

  • Magisom – Sonorization and Sound Recording, Lisbon, PT. | sound designer / editor / mixer (full time)
Activities: Audio post-production for advertising (tv/radio).
Clients and collaborators (agencies and film production companies): MTV Portugal, Ogilvy, FCB, Young & Rubicam, PixMix, Film Brokers, Binari Sonori.

  • Analógico – Media and Communication, Lisbon, PT | sound designer / editor / mixer (full time)
Activities: Audio post-production for advertising (tv/radio), music production, technical assistance and maintenance of all equipment (soft/hardware).
Clients and collaborators (agencies and film production companies): EPG-TBWA, Leo Burnett, McCann-Erickson, Ogilvy, Euro-RSCG, FCB, Grey, DDB, Show-Off Films, SYNC, Mixturas, CEE, Ministério dos Filmes. Take-It-Easy Films.




EDUCATION


  • MA Sound Production and Technology
    – ULHT, Lisbon. 120 ECTS points.

  • Audio Engineering Diploma
    – SAE Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - 180 ECTS points.

  • Zona Max. Advanced Max-MSP Programming Course. – Aula do Risco, Lisbon, PT.

  • Max-MSP / Jitter. w/ Jeremy Bernstein – Restart – School of Creativity and New Technologies – Lisbon, PT.

  • Interactive Systems for Performance and Installation. - w/ Sergi Jordá – Restart – School of Creativity and New Technologies – Lisbon, PT.

  • BSc (inc), Physics and Chemistry Teaching (pre-Bologna)
    – FCUL, Lisboa - 288 of 300 possible ECTS points.





GLOSSARY


aura

ˈɔːrə/

noun

noun: aura;   plural noun: aurae;   plural noun: auras

1.
the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.

synonyms: atmosphere, air, quality, aspect, character, ambience, mood, spirit, feeling, feel, flavour,  colouring,  colour,  complexion,  climate,  tone,  overtone,  undertone,  tenor, impression,  suggestion,  emanation.

2.
(in spiritualism and some forms of alternative medicine) a supposed emanation surrounding the body of a living creature and regarded as an essential part of the individual.

any invisible emanation, especially an odour.

3.
a warning sensation experienced before an attack of epilepsy or migraine.



aural

ˈɔːr(ə)l/

adjective

  1. relating to the ear or the sense of hearing.
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