LO1: Understand how sound elements are used across media industries
LO2: Know the techniques and processes used to create sound elements
LO3: Be able to plan the production of sound elements for identified media purposes
LO4: Be able to record, edit and review sound elements
Above is the trailer I have created for a fictional thriller TV show called ‘Hunted’. I used the footsteps, ambient classroom and new punch sound effect all in the video, along with the music track and voice over recording I produced. I have also used third party effects such as some sound effects and noises which I did not create myself. I added these in post-production to make the trailer flow much better. I also edited the sounds in post-production as well. I will go into more detail about the editing process in a separate post.
I think the sounds work well in this video and meet the client brief.
Firstly, I have re-recorded the punch sound effect by throwing a wet paper towel against a wall in a closed environment.
I think the new punch sound effect sounds much ‘meatier’ and sounds more like a realistic punch.
I also recorded the voice over sound in the music studio using the studio condenser mic outlined in my assets table.
I will now take all the sound elements I’ve recorded and insert them into the final video.
After presenting my sounds to the client, I have received some feedback.
In response to this feedback, I am going to slow down the walking sound slightly to fit what is on screen. This should allow the visuals and audio to flow seamlessly.
With regards to the punch, I have tried adding a pitch shift filter in Final Cut Pro but I still don’t think it conveys the bass of a real punch. To create this sound I punched myself lightly, but it didn’t work. This time I will use a more professional technique such as throwing a wet paper towel against a wall. This should work better.
Now I will record the new sound effects and then edit them into my final video.
![thumbnail_IMG_20191002_134004652[3246775].jpg](https://maxgsalisbury.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/thumbnail_img_20191002_1340046523246775.jpg?w=523&h=392)
I will present these sounds to an audience for feedback, to see if I need to change anything. After altering the sounds where necessary, I will place them in a video with voice over and my music track I created earlier.
Sound P4: This documents the assets and planning of the recording of my sound clips. I have ensured I know what equipment I can use and know how I am going to record the sounds based on industry techniques online.
Sound M1: This evaluates and describes the legal, ethical and safety measures I have taken to the recording process. I have ensured the locations are safe, and that our talent releases their likeness for use in the piece. Any music/sound that I were to use that was not my own would need to be released by its composer.
I am now ready to record the sounds I have planned.
In class we looked at how the soundtrack of a scene affects the tone of the imagery on screen. Using this idea, we filmed a scene with no direct tone and added two different original tracks to the scene to change the tone. Our film is a simple 10 second chase scene. The first track I made was to create a horror theme.
I used a harsh drum beat to make the track feel oppressive, representing the pressure for the girl to run away. The high-key violins are a common trope in horror, most notably in the famous theme from ‘Psycho’ (1960). There is also a droning sound in the background, creating a foundation for the other elements and creating a tense and dour atmosphere.
I also created a more upbeat track to show how music can affect the tone of a scene.
This version makes the scene seem far more whimsical and playful, implying a game or race more than a psychotic chase. The high-key piano adds to the upbeat theme, with soft Latin percussion to add texture and an African-inspired drum beat. I think this track sounds more like something by Alexandre Desplat than a score by Hans Zimmer; it is more calm and does not imply the same amount of tension as the other track. Notably, both tracks use a drum beat, as I think this adds a pace to the scene, present due to the action taking place. Next time, I would redo the drums on this scene as I think they are slightly sporadic and off-beat.
From this clip I will work on developing and recording sound effects to create a trailer for a TV show. I will record:
Now I’ll begin planning recording these sounds.
Soundtracks can make or break a film or TV show. They can drastically alter the mood or tone of a particular medium and make the audience feel emotional, excited, scared or happy. They also help audiences identify characters: who they are and what role they play in the story e.g. good or bad.
Some of my favourite soundtracks are:
These soundtracks convey the feelings of the film as well as creating the emotions the filmmakers want the audience to feel. ‘The Docking Scene’ from ‘Interstellar’ by Hans Zimmer is not only a great track, but perfectly balances the emotional weight of the scene with its intensity.
These are just some examples of great soundtracks. Sci-fi films tend to have the best or most cinematic scores, especially those done by Zimmer or Williams. Using cinematic sounds to build intensity and strange experimental synthesizers for the climax create a tense and sometimes uncomfortable atmosphere.
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