“Now I will do nothing but listen...
I hear all sounds running together, combined,
fused or following,
Sounds of the city and sounds out of the city, sounds
of the day and night.”
ABOUT
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently based in NYC, Nicole Alexandra Watlington-Betancourt is a sound designer and re-recording mixer known for her passion and strong determination in achieving set goals and wanting to make the most out of each project.
Work Experience
I've had the pleasure of working at notable post-production studios alongside recognized Emmy® and Golden Reel-nominated supervising sound editors and re-recording mixers in both New York City and San Juan. Additionally, as a remote post-audio engineer, I've taken the lead as sound supervisor on many projects, overseeing the audio post-production process from beginning to end. Through these experiences, I've swiftly established a reputation for myself within the industry.
My credit list extends to all media forms. I’ve created soundscapes for features, short films, documentaries, and episodic content by award-winning directors whose projects have screened all around North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, some of which have or are currently streaming on platforms like Hulu, Max, Prime Video, and DisneyNow. When it comes to advertising, I’ve designed and mixed sonic content for brands like Nike and New Balance.
My love and understanding of the craft reflect in my workflow and dedication to making the client’s vision come to life.
Approach to Sound
I base my work on the idea that every single sound has its own story.
Following the writings of R. Murray Schafer, who coined the word soundscape and claimed that “sounds are unique pieces that vary according to cultures, geographies, and historical revolutionary transitions,” I aim to use the power of sonic storytelling to reinforce every project, relying on my creativity to achieve the message, emotions, and experience desired.
Having solid interdisciplinary theoretical and practical backgrounds in the fields of Film and Sound has given me the vocabulary and skills to communicate efficiently in the process of exchanging and executing ideas. Such a thorough understanding of the past and present is key for stemming innovative ways to work on any project—whether one that aims to carry a very complex soundtrack or one that relays on simpleness and the voice to carry a message.
EDUCATION
I have an MA in Contemporary Film and Audiovisual Studies from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, where I defended my master’s thesis on sonic anxiety and nostalgia in the soundscapes of 20th-century (1930-1950) German exile cinema.
Additionally, I hold a BA in Screen Studies from Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School in New York City, where I wrote and directed my first-ever short film Tea Party After Hours, and a BS in Recording Arts from Full Sail University, where I graduated with honors and was also awarded the Course Director's Award for Advanced Audio Postproduction.
In 2017, through a scholarship, I had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in the UK to attend the prestigious King's College London, where I focused my studies on British and European Cinema. I recall this experience as the spark that ignited my passion for conscious traveling, and I believe that respectfully exploring different places can be a valuable asset when crafting soundscapes from around the world.
Life Outside of Work
Apart from film and sound, I highlight reading, writing, and trying new plant-based recipes as a few of the things that bring me the most joy.
I’m also always pursuing mental clarity and meaningful experiences and like to be outspoken about the importance of diversity in the workplace and sustainable practices to combat climate change.