Sennheiser Powers Letterboxd’s Voice From Fan Favorites To Award-Winning Films
9 April 2025
From humble beginnings in New Zealand to global recognition at the world’s biggest film festivals and awards, Letterboxd’s distinct voice is captured by Sennheiser’s audio
Sydney, Australia, 9 April, 2025 – From the streets of Auckland to the steps of the world’s biggest film festivals and awards, Letterboxd’s rise from a grassroots film community to a global media voice is a story of creativity, connection and sound. A global social network for film discussion and discovery, Letterboxd users log, rate and share their thoughts on their favorite films. Now a recognized presence at events like the Oscars, Sundance and SXSW, the team relies on Sennheiser as a core part of their production toolkit, enabling clearer, more spontaneous interviews in even the busiest event environments.
Letterboxd’s distinctive RGB-branded mic has become a familiar fixture on red carpets but it’s the technology behind the mic that makes the coverage possible. With increasingly dynamic, mobile production needs, the team has built a flexible, festival-ready setup with Sennheiser.
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From the reliable MKH 416 shotgun mic to the portable EW-DP wireless system for more traditional camera workflows, the equipment allows the team to adapt quickly to shifting event environments. At the centre of it all is the Profile Wireless Microphone, an all-in-one system that delivers plug and play simplicity, with a two-channel 2.4 GHz receiver, two clip-on microphones, and mounting and connection accessories housed in a portable charging bar that doubles as a handheld interview mic. With its versatility and reliable sound, the team can focus on spontaneous, high-quality conversations without technical barriers.
“We used to rely on wired setups that could fall apart with one loose cable,” says Matt Kolowski, Letterboxd’s Head of Community. “I’ll never forget interviewing Tom Cruise and realizing later the mic had disconnected. With the Profile Wireless, we don’t have to worry. It’s given us our confidence back.”
Shaped by Aotearoa, Loved by the World
Despite its rise to prominence, Letterboxd hasn’t forgotten its roots. Founded by Matt Buchanan and Karl von Randow, the platform has remained headquartered in New Zealand, a point of pride for the team.
“We're fortunate to be at events and festivals with A-listers, and what's always front of mind is reflecting what our community tells us they want to know more about,” shares Aaron Yap, Head of Social at Letterboxd. “There’s this uniquely Kiwi way of doing things – humble, grounded, and always authentic.” With a growing global community of film lovers, Letterboxd continues to inspire a global audience to discover, rate and share the films that shape them.
One standout moment this season came during a red carpet interview with Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve. The Letterboxd team shared that his film was the most rewatched Best Picture nominee of the year and handed him a small Letterboxd pin. “He told us that the Letterboxd community gives him hope for the future of cinema and moviegoing,” Matt recalls. “To hear that from a director of that calibre, on that kind of stage – it really validated what we’re doing.”
Wireless Confidence
The Sennheiser Profile Wireless has quickly become a staple in the Letterboxd kit. Designed for creators on the move, it provides plug-and-play simplicity, high-quality sound, and reliable wireless operation, ideal for the fast pace of red carpets and festival coverage.
“Switching to the Profile Wireless has honestly been a game-changer,” says Matt. “We’re able to move freely, monitor audio while filming, and even record a backup channel. We haven’t had to use it yet—but knowing it’s there gives us peace of mind.”
A standout moment came at Sundance, when actor Rachel Sennott picked up the mic mid-interview and began walking down the snowy street, delivering a spontaneous segment that perfectly captured the energy of the festival.
“That moment wouldn’t have worked with a wired mic,” Matt explains. “The Profile Wireless gave us the freedom to roll with it.”
In Auckland, the team also used the microphones at Laneway Festival, capturing community interviews amid live music and large crowds. Despite the high noise levels, the sound came through clearly, removing the usual stress of unpredictable live setups.
At this year’s SXSW, the Profile Wireless shone in a wide range of setups, including red carpets, inside green rooms, and amid buzzing street interviews. “Our team shared nothing but praise for the mic. It did a great job capturing sound in often busy locations, and the mobility it gave us was especially key,” says Matt. “Outlet placement on the carpet was unpredictable, so the team had to adjust quickly to get the right framing. The flexibility of the Sennheiser made that easy.” Talent including Kyle MacLachlan, Nicole Kidman, and Will Poulter had so much fun with the Letterboxd mic, with members and filmmakers even posing for Polaroids holding it post-interview.
With broadcast-grade sound and a flexible setup, the system is now a go-to for the team, whether capturing red carpet talent, community members or casual conversations between creators.
Engineered for the Unscripted
In addition to the Profile Wireless, Letterboxd also utilizes the MKH 416 shotgun microphone and EW-DP wireless system for interviews requiring more traditional camera setups. The EW-DP’s fully digital UHF design, intuitive interface, and magnetic stacking system make it ideal for fast-paced production environments. Paired with the Smart Assist app, it offers seamless remote control, automated frequency coordination and real-time system alerts, perfect for creators who need reliable audio without slowing down.
The MKH 416, recently celebrating its 50 years as a broadcast and film industry icon, remains a cornerstone in the team’s kit. Known for its directionality and clarity, it continues to deliver pristine audio even in noisy or unpredictable environments.
At events like the Oscars, where strict RF regulations make wireless use challenging, the team pivoted to the MD 46 handheld mic. “It was honestly a lifesaver,” says Matt. “It not only recorded perfectly, but looked incredibly high-end – exactly what you want on a red carpet like the Oscars.”
“Sound is way more important than video,” says Aaron. “People are more forgiving of video, whereas if something’s unlistenable, they’ll switch off really quickly.”
That understanding drives every piece of content the team creates. Whether it’s a spontaneous interview on the street or a planned shoot on a packed press line, Sennheiser’s tools allow the team to adapt quickly without compromising sound quality.
Seen. Heard. Remembered.
With increasing visibility at prestigious events, the Letterboxd mic has become a beacon for talent who are eager to speak about the films they love. “We’ve had filmmakers come straight to us, bypassing other outlets,” says Matt. “They know when they talk to us, they’ll be talking to a community who genuinely loves movies.”
At SXSW, that recognition extended beyond the industry. Festivalgoers regularly asked to have their photo taken holding the mic, even those who didn’t want to be on camera still wanted to be part of the moment. The mic didn’t just capture conversations, it became a symbol of connection.
From red carpet chaos to festival streets, Letterboxd’s presence is felt, seen and heard, loud and clear.
As they continue to scale their presence on the global stage, Letterboxd and Sennheiser are proving that with the right mic, a good story can be heard anywhere.
About the Sennheiser Group
Building the future of audio and creating unique sound experiences for our customers - this is the aspiration that unites the employees of the Sennheiser Group worldwide. The independent family-owned company Sennheiser was founded in 1945. Today, it is managed in the third generation by Dr. Andreas Sennheiser and Daniel Sennheiser and is one of the leading manufacturers in the field of professional audio technology.
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Stephanie Schmidt