Håkon Lammetun, born in 1961, is one of Norway's most experienced and respected sound designers, with over three decades of expertise in film sound design and mixing. As the founder and owner of Lydhodene, his sound studio has become synonymous with high-quality audio post-production in Norwegian cinema.

Early Career and Musical Aspirations

Lammetun's journey into sound design began with a touch of humor and humble honesty. He started as a sound engineer at Norsk Film AS in 1986 "when he realized that he would never be a pop star." This pragmatic shift from musical performer to technical craftsman proved to be the foundation of a remarkable career in film sound.

Founding Lydhodene

In 1993, Lammetun left the Norwegian Film Studio to pursue his own vision, establishing his independent film sound studio. By 1997, this venture had evolved into Lydhodene, which has since become one of Norway's premier sound post-production facilities. Based initially in Oslo and later operating from Bjørnemyr, Lydhodene has provided sound design and mixing services for numerous films across all categories, as well as thousands of commercials.

Collaboration with Anita Killi

One of Lammetun's most celebrated collaborations has been with animator and filmmaker Anita Killi. He has served as sound designer for several of her award-winning films, creating the intricate soundscapes that bring her distinctive animation style to life:

• "The Hedge of Thorns" (Tornehekken, 2002) - An early collaboration that established their creative partnership

• "Angry Man" (Sinna Mann, 2009) - This powerful film about domestic violence won numerous international awards, with Lammetun's sound design contributing significantly to its emotional impact

• "Mother Didn't Know" (Mor visste ingenting, 2020) - His most recent work with Killi, featuring music by renowned composer Zbigniew Preisner

Anita Killi has praised their collaboration, noting that "sound constitutes half the film" and describing both musician Hege Rimestad and sound designer Håkon Lammetun as "fantastic collaborators."

Notable Film Projects

Beyond his work with Anita Killi, Lammetun has contributed his expertise to a diverse range of Norwegian productions:

• "Pyromaniac" (2016) - A psychological thriller that showcased his ability to create tension through sound

• "Kill Buljo 2" (2013) - Demonstrating his versatility across different genres

• "En prest og en plage" (2014) - Further evidence of his broad collaborative range

Working with Other Renowned Filmmakers

Lammetun has also worked with Oscar-winning animator Torill Kove, who has praised his ability to create distinctly Norwegian soundscapes. Kove noted his particular talent for crafting "room sounds" that capture the unique acoustic qualities of Norwegian spaces - "the acoustics of wooden floors, new timber" - creating sounds that feel authentically Norwegian, from the way a door handle sounds to the ambient qualities of interior spaces.

Professional Philosophy and Approach

Lammetun's approach to sound design emphasizes the subtle but crucial role that audio plays in storytelling. His work is characterized by attention to detail and an understanding that effective sound design often works best when it feels natural and unobtrusive, yet emotionally resonant. His collaboration with filmmakers typically involves receiving a rough cut and then developing sound concepts that enhance the narrative and emotional arc of the film.

Recent Work and Current Status

Since 2019, Lammetun has also worked as a sound designer for Filmreaktor AS, expanding his professional network while continuing to operate Lydhodene. His company remains active in the Norwegian film industry, contributing to both feature films and commercial productions.

Legacy in Norwegian Cinema

With over 35 years in the industry, Håkon Lammetun has established himself as a cornerstone of Norwegian film production. His work spans from intimate animated shorts dealing with difficult social issues to larger commercial productions, always bringing the same level of craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity. His long-standing collaboration with filmmakers like Anita Killi and Torill Kove demonstrates not only his technical expertise but also his ability to understand and enhance the unique vision of each director he works with.

Through Lydhodene and his individual contributions, Lammetun continues to shape the sound of Norwegian cinema, proving that sometimes the most powerful artistic contributions are those that support and elevate the work of others while remaining largely invisible to the audience.