Acclaimed Sound Designer Wenrui Zhao Joins Kairon Pictures' Feature Film 'Road Test'

Kairon Pictures L.L.C. has announced that acclaimed sound designer Wenrui Zhao has officially joined the creative team of its upcoming feature film Road Test as lead sound mixer and sound designer. The production is scheduled to run from March 1, 2027 through November 1, 2027, bringing together a distinguished team of emerging voices committed to inventive, character-driven storytelling.

As lead sound mixer and designer, Zhao will oversee all aspects of the film's audio experience, guiding it from pre-production planning through to the final theatrical mix. His responsibilities will range from capturing dialogue during challenging car interiors and action sequences to creating immersive ambiences and original sound motifs that bring unique identity and emotional weight to the film. Zhao will also spearhead Foley design, ADR, and soundscape integration with the film's score, treating sound not as accompaniment but as a living part of the storytelling canvas.

Road Test is a comedy-drama infused with high stakes, humor, and heart that follows a journalist who, fresh off failing her road test, agrees to drive a daredevil wingsuit flyer to his career-defining jump despite not holding a license. The film is directed by Jackie Xing, with John Zeng as director of photography, Maya Peters as production designer, and Keith Leung as lead editor. More information about the production company can be found at https://www.kaironpictures.com.

Zhao emphasized the importance of sound in filmmaking, stating, "Sound is the invisible architecture of a film—it shapes tension, amplifies humor, and carries emotion where words cannot. Road Test presents an extraordinary opportunity to craft a sonic journey that is as unpredictable, chaotic, and heartfelt as the story itself." This appointment matters because sound design significantly influences audience engagement and emotional response, making Zhao's expertise crucial for the film's success.

Producer Keith Leung added, "We are thrilled to have Wenrui leading sound on Road Test. His artistry and technical mastery ensure that the film's mix of comedy, intimacy, and adrenaline will resonate with audiences in profound and inventive ways. Sound is vital to this film's identity, and Wenrui's vision makes him the perfect collaborator." The implications of this hiring extend beyond the project, highlighting the growing recognition of sound design's role in cinematic excellence and its potential to elevate independent films in the competitive entertainment industry.