Phil Canning is a sound designer and mixer whose work on 'Obsession' and 'Wasteman' showcases his versatility. From crafting eerie atmospheres to raw urban noise, his current films offer a sonic feast. Did you know Canning once recorded a full action sequence using only household objects?
Phil Canning might not be a household name, but his work is anything but invisible—or rather, inaudible. As a sound designer and mixer, he has shaped the audio landscapes of two films currently playing in Belgian cinemas: Obsession (released May 13, 2026) and Wasteman (released February 20, 2026).
Let's start with Obsession. This psychological thriller demands a soundscape that creeps under your skin. Canning uses subtle, layered audio—like the faint ticking of a clock or the distant hum of a refrigerator—to build tension. For Wasteman, a gritty urban drama, he flips the script entirely, capturing the chaotic symphony of city life: honking cars, street chatter, and the crunch of broken glass.
Did you know? For a key scene in Wasteman, Canning recorded the sound of a trash can lid clanging by dropping actual lids from different heights, layering them to create a unique metallic echo. He often says, 'The best sounds come from the real world, not a library.'
Canning's career spans over two decades, with credits ranging from indie darlings to blockbuster hits. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail: for Obsession, he even visited a recording studio to capture the exact reverb of a character's footsteps on different floor types. This commitment to realism makes every scene feel immersive.
Both films are now showing in Belgium. Whether you prefer the tense silence of Obsession or the raw energy of Wasteman, Phil Canning's sound design will leave you listening more closely. Go see them—and trust your ears.
