Audio!

 AUDIO!!

What I've learned in my sound classes are principles which I'm attempting to implement in my film. The key concepts are learning how sound adds to storytelling and creates atmosphere. Actual application is when I'm incorporating peaceful sounds and subtle background sounds to highlight climactic moments. Below are class notes when we learned about the types of sound:

Sound in My Film

We didn't choose to use pre-existing music by any artist or band, preferring instead to use the peaceful sound in creating a complex environment. The process provides us complete audio freedom and makes sure the sound design of our film will be entirely custom. The opening shot is an example: the whistles of the wind through trees, birds singing in the distance, and the soft crunch of gravel on the ground instantly set the country, tranquil atmosphere.

As Ethan and Lily converse, soft sounds softly contribute to their dialogue. For instance, when Ethan's first visiting the mansion, there is the gentle crunching of paper in the wind and the distant sound of a doorbell, all serving to improve the impact of the setting. These are to support, rather than distract from, the main action.

While Ethan and Lily share a second of eye contact, the surrounding background noise of the couple's conversation fades into the distance, drawing attention to the fresh romance from the audience. The music cuts away as the movie's title appears, providing transition and mood for the rest of the narrative.

YouTube video explaining how sound can make all the difference for different scenes in a movie.

Visual and Audio Sync

Sound and visuals must work in harmony to create a compelling film. We’re using old camera angles and color filters to give our work a unique 70s touch, and sound plays a crucial role in supporting this visual style. For instance, the use of retro sound effects and natural noise helps take the audience back to the 70s, making the film feel authentic.

The most important scenes where sound enhances the visual story are the first meeting of Ethan and Lily. The swishing of the wind, the off-distance chirping of birds, and the soft crunch of gravel add extra realism to the scene and make their dialogue feel more genuine and emotional. These sounds, together with the vintage look, make for an engaging experience for the viewer.

Foley Sounds

To improve a sense of realism, we will be using foley sounds with everyday objects. Foley sounds are specifically designed sound effects that have been recorded and placed in the film during post-production to enhance the sound experience. For instance, we can use a collection of rusty keys to simulate the sound of jingling keys, a piece of crumpled paper to replicate the sound of blowing leaves, or even a squeaky chair to mimic the sound of a creaky wooden bench. These inaudible yet critical sounds will make the scenes feel more real and engaging.

Describes how professional Foley sound artists make these sounds.

Sources

1. Artlist. (2020, March 30). How To SOUND DESIGN | Step by step tutorial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LV1bqf8ZVo

2. Great Big Story. (2017, January 12). The magic of making sound [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO3N_PRIgX0