Keith Desmond - Soundman
Luther Keith Desmond who sadly passed away in August 2008 was the loveliest most generous and warm-hearted soundman we have worked with. He had that uncanny ability to connect with everyone and was worth his weight in gold on all our shoots right from the start in 1989. While concealing radio mics under clothing of interviewees – using his trade secret stash of Dr Scholl corn plasters to eliminate rustle – Keith would work his magic on them. Everyone, be they royalty or a gardener, would fall under his spell, relaxed and ready for the camera to roll. Keith had an innate insight into other people’s feelings. His presence on a shoot brought a quiet calm dignity.
His professionalism and dedication to excellence was world-renowned. He was at the cutting edge of technology, from the early use of radio mics to his own invention for stereo in the 80s, a Heath Robinson device for which he was sought out by Japanese equipment designers. In a career spanning 40 years he worked on hundreds of films, met all the greats and travelled the world. On his retirement he did not rest, but wrote Sounds Original, a wonderful memoir full of great stories and funny incidents. When asked by people what he did, Keith had an ingenious answer – he would walk up to the television, turn the sound down and say: ”That’s what I do”.
Keith had a passion for classical music and opera which was contagious, and a deeply spiritual side which was private. To us he was affectionately known as Father Desmond. At the end of an interview nothing was more reassuring than to turn around and look for the glint in Father Desmond’s eyes signalling “you’ve got gold”. He had listened and he knew. We miss him, his firm handshakes and the famous Keith hugs.
