Bound

From the previous project I done, there were many things I wanted changed and improved in order to conform to a professional manor of work with a client by working in a professional organisational structure, to preparing a professional piece of sound design. Through the process of creating my second piece of sound design I wanted to learn a few key aspects that would help me create a professional sound design as well as create a professional relationship with my client for possible future references. The learning objectives set started from on location recording to the final mix process, all in order to improve my skills throughout each step of the process. Now, with a finished product I have been able to fully analyse my performance at each step of the process and have found that there a lot of things I have achieved which have met my learning outcomes, however there are also things in which I think I could have learned and done in a more professional manor. After research on location recording and previous experiences I have acquired I was able to come up with an overall very good location recording, which helped immensely towards the film. While analyzing the audio from the location recording, I noticed a significant improvement from my previous recordings. The cleanness and awareness of the sound made my post production job a lot easier from the previous jobs I have done. This learning outcome has ticked off my list for this project. Along side this, I was able to organize myself for the location recording and post recording in order to have all my files in a set structure which I was able to know where everything was. This again was through the research done on organisation. During location recording I made notes in the recording as well as noted the scene, slate and take. Where I think I could have improved on is to have a more vigorous reference comparison with different commercially released products against my own. By doing that I would be able to have pick off more mistakes and areas where I could improve my work.

I have had some successful periods throughout this process in which I have used my research and experience to help me achieve certain troubles and obstacles throughout the process. One of these success in which I pride myself in is my location recording. By carrying out the right procedures while recording, having the right equipment as well as be able to focus on what sounds are being heard through the microphone, I was able to successfully produce a clean and usable recording for almost every take done. As my second success in my role, I was made to record guitars as part of a montage sequence in the film. Even though I have little experience in guitar recording, Unmanaged to adjust microphones and balance out the right volume in order to capture both guitars playing at the same time, one being acoustic and the other electronic (with an amp). This was a challenge for me, because I have never recorded both being played at the same time, one being with an amp while the other without. As normally this would be recorded separately in order to be able to mix each individually, my challenge was far greater. Microphone placement was something which I had to experience a lot with, where is the sweet spot where both can be heard at the same level. After some time, I had finally found it and began the recording process. successfully, I was able to get a decent recording at the end even while being in an unconventional way of recording.

On the other hand, I have also had many issues both technical and ethical which I had to overcome and bring a solution to. First problem started at the location in which we were recording. Being right underneath an jet training ground, our recording was constantly delayed. As well as jets and airplanes, we also had problems with chainsaws as people were cutting down trees. These problems were both solved by making sure the microphone was placed as close to the actor as possible making sure the microphone is facing totally down towards the ground as possible, in case we are at the end of a take and there is some sort of noise starting up, I was able to cancel out the noise from the positioning of the microphone. By doing this, every take recorded which had some sort of noise at the very end of it, was canceled out or almost unnoticed. Another issue encountered was recording the foley. This was as much technical as it was artistically. Foley studio kept crashing, and lagging, not allowing me to properly record the scenes correctly due to a fault in the system. Out of 10 tries, one would not lag, and it took hours to try figure out what the problem was. Without being able to solve the issue, I had to wait until the next day for me to to be able to talk to a technician about it and unfortunately was told that this issue is something which will get fixed during the summer holidays and there is nothing that can done now. Without a way of solving it, I had to spend many hours in recording a take every twenty minutes on scenes that required fast paced running. Because of this, I decided to then watch the video over and over again, making sure I memorized and acted the scenes to be recorded making sure that I could create a good recording on the few takes I could get. In addition to this problem, I also encountered issues while mixing. While mixing at home, I had iPhone earphones and no monitors which I could use to check sound. While firstly mixing and editing on my earphones, I was able to place each sound I wanted in and organize the tracks as well as making sure everything was in place for me to properly mix with good headphones on. Again, the use of the foley studio 5:1 sound system wasn’t an option due to the issues happening to it.

In conclusion, the process of making this film has helped me in so many ways to realize how much I have to learn through research and experience. All the issues and success are things which I can take with me as part of my experience, and learn from each. If given the opportunity again to go through the same process, I am certain that the outcome would be a lot more professional and fewer issues.

My role in this film included, sound on location, music editor and sound designer. From the start I was aware that my job here would be from start to finish 100% responsible for all the audio. This however, gave me a great opportunity to familiarize myself with the entire procedure as well as have hands on experience with each. In addition I was also responsible for picking almost all the music in the film. Even though it was not my job to do it, I was given the role and pursued a creative mindset on the best type of music possible for each scene. My contribution therefore has been the entire making of the audio.

Heikki Kossi is a Foley artist who has been involved in major films such as, “A Cure for Wellness” and “The Little Prince”. In his interview he mentions a few advices which will help me perform my own Foley to this film. Heikki when possible receives rough cuts before hand as well as have the script at a very early age so that he is able to get in the role and already begin his creative process. From the script and rough cuts, he will be aware of what he will need as well as give him time to try out new sounds. Fortunately for me, I was aware of the script from the beginning, in addition, I also done the location recording, giving me first hand experience on what the movements are like, what to look out for and the filming its self. Heikki in one of the questions is asked if there is a specific lesson learned from projects and his reply is a simple yet truthful. “Do it for the story”, the Foley has to fit the story and not be a distracting feature nor something which does not match the story.

The purpose of this blog was to understand the process in creating audio for a moving image. While researching, I came across an interview in which Sound Designer and mixer TJ Dumser answers this question and many more. In order for me to create my own audio design for this film, I not only need inspiration but also to understand the process behind it.  While in a project, his way of working is similar to how I have been working in my previous projects and is what I tend to do with this one also. Over-designing everything and then once done, stripping it back so to sound less muddy and more professional. His idea of a sound design contains the idea of, “if it moves, it makes a sound”. Secondly, his advice towards making sound is to be yourself. Trying to work as someone else would will only make you lose your ability to create greatness.

Lastly, In his interview he mentions how quick you have to be as well as creative. You should also know what the client wants exactly and not fall short or exaggerate on what the client has asked of you. That being said, Tj explains his thinking behind creating his audio.

 

https://theaudiospotlight.com/tj-dumser-interview/

In this post, I will reflect on the guest lectures presented from Barney Oram, Mark Hills and Rory Hunter. All of these people, are and have been in the industry for quite some time now and because of that, they were able to all provide me with key information on the industry and the roles I intend to pursue once graduated.

Barney Oram left the university to chase the path of game sound. This field is not so much different to film sound when it comes to the creation or professionalism and creativity. Barney mentions sound for game becoming more and more of a cinematic experience since the past 20 years, and I believe that soon to come, games will obtain a space within the cinematic requirements or expectations. However the difference between the two is the timeline. Game audio is not linear and therefore becoming 100% interactive. Sounds in games are heard many times throughout, and the challenge with that is creating an amazing sound design by using randomisation and interactive and reactive audio. Lastly, Barney talked about entering the game industry, how you get started and what you need to have to be able to apply. He mentions the two different path ways you can take which include, Indie companies or AAA. With each having its pros and cons, we were able to analyze both and gain knowledge so that we are able to make our own decisions when coming out of university. In addition, in order for us to apply as a game sound designer, it is important as mentioned by Barney to obtain a professional website containing your best 1 minute showreel showing all your potential and creativity as well as, previous works, recommendations and personality. Personality in this industry is seen as key in order to succeed, charisma and work ethic may get you further in the career path then purely skill.

Mark Hill works at Factory post production company for films, television and animation. In his lecture he talks about some key things to look out for and do as well as the role and the clients. All of which are essential knowledge to have when going out there and thinking of where and what you want to do. Firstly he mentions the sound design path you want to take. In the media industry there are many different ways to approach a sound design role, including games, animation, documentary, television and/or film. All of these are included in their own sector however sharing the same or similar skills and creativity. Deciding which path to take is the first ever step we should think about before even leaving university as it will determine everything you do and look for. As mentioned by Mark, once this is decided, looking for your first job should be done carefully and with plenty of research. It was advised that family style companies are the best first job companies to look for, as it gives you the capability to strive a lot faster and attain a title of sound designer a lot faster. The second piece of advise he mentions is interesting and many times something we do not think about. Searching for a job seekers allowance is something which gives you the possibility to earn and retain free transport from and to interviews and any work related meetings and trainings. As a starting job we are firstly to apply for a runner job as we are yet not prepared to obtain the responsibility and skills of a sound designer. This job is super important in the industry as it gives you the opportunity to show your work ethic, personality and will to grow in the industry. In all the different lectures and online researches I have done and heard, all mentions the importance of this job. Building a good relationship with producers while a runner is key in getting a head start on the promotions available. The next step up from that is the transfer/audio assistant. As an assistant you are responsible for loading and prepping the mixes on to ProTools and most importantly, you are responsible for making sure the audio meets the correct volume requirements before reaching the client. Lastly, he advises us to, even while a runner, build a relationship with clients, while serving them tea, or just passing by. These clients may turn out to be potential future clients which you may come across and work with. In addition, they might come to remember you for your charisma and work ethic when you were a runner and from the decide to work with you as a sound designer.

Rory Hunter works at one of the companies which I have looked at before as a potential company for me to apply for after leaving university. Fonic is a audio post production company specialized in television, film, radio, gaming and digital media. In this lecture we were able to learn more about dialogue editing, CVs and techniques in interviews. One thing that caught my attention was the fact that it each CV should be tailored for each job. Even though you apply for the same job role, each company require specific attributes. Recruiters also are able to notice if the CV is not tailored to that specific company/role. In terms of interview technique, I was surprised at some of the advises given. One which caught my attention was the dress code. Normally, we prepare our best suit for our interviews for any job, however, in this industry its seen as different, a more casual smart look is preferred and shows more understanding about the industry than a smart suit. Another technique which took my attention among the rest was body language. Keeping an open body language shows that you are comfortable and not nervous, a good posture shows professionalism and recruiters look and pay attention to these details.