Adrian Bell, Production Sound Mixer

Biography to 2023

Adrian Bell left school at the age of 16 to become a house music DJ and live music mixer. Following a run of recorded performances for BBC Radio 1 and appearances in London’s west end, Adrian started formal training with the BBC Film Department from 1984 to 1988.

In 1988, Adrian went freelance, initially as a boom operator, then continued to work mainly in factual & documentary television recording, travelling to over thirty countries and working on a broad spectrum of programmes. He notably picked up two BAFTA nominations for Sound (Factual) in 1995 and 1997.

In 2003 Adrian moved into television drama and, more recently, feature films and high end TV drama. Starting with a portfolio that includes five series of the BBC’s “Merlin,” as well as numerous independently produced dramas, including the Stephen Poliakoff series “Dancing on the Edge” for he which picked up the BAFTA for Best Sound (Fiction) in 2014:

2014 BAFTA Awards

In 2015 Adrian moved into feature work with Richard Curtis on “About Time,” and then followed with “Everest,” Ron Howard’s “Inferno,” “The Mummy,” with Tom Cruise & Russell Crowe, “Goodbye Christopher Robin” with Margot Robbie, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread.” More recently Adrian has been working on more musical based features such as “Mamma Mia 2.” “Judy,” was released in October 2019 tells the story of Judy Garland’s return to London, featuring Renee Zellweger. There was a considerable amount of live vocals recording on set to help bring this movie alive.

In 2018 Adrian worked with Michael Bay on the Netflix movie “6 Underground,” an adrenalin packed action feature, filmed in Italy and Abu Dhabi.

In 2020 “Jingle Jangle,” was released, a Christmas musical featuring Forest Whitaker and directed by David Talbert.

2021 saw two gorgeous period films “Mothering Sunday,” directed by Eva Husson and “Last Letters,” a love story directed by Augustine Frizzell featuring Shailene Woodley & Felicity Jones.

With a career spanning 35 years, Adrian is comfortable with his variety of work with large studio music rigs or action based filming, along with constantly updated sound equipment.

Adrian has just finished working in Spain with Guy Ritchie directing Jake Gyllenhaal in “The Interpreter.”

Adrian’s recent films involves extensive radio mic work and music playback and recording. Working in collaboration with playback operators and music supervisors, there is a seamless process to dynamic and complex equipment setups.

With a career spanning 35 years, Adrian is comfortable with his variety of work with large studio music rigs or action based filming, along with constantly updated sound equipment.

Adrian is married to Linda, a wildlife documentary producer, with two children Emily and Thomas.