Tuesday 31 January 2012

Follow a simple rule structure - sound editing

This can be viewed as a simple progression:
  • Make each element a sound in its own right, then pair two elements together - how do they work?
  • Keep pairing elements together until you have a few that sound great together.
  • Now find a third sound element that brings out the best qualities in the two sounds. Work with the three and mix them together.
  • Discard the remaining sounds, storing them away to use another time.
  • Now create a mix of the three elements and save it. This is your first sound effect!
  • Now do the same again, and repeat the processes until you have several different mixes, which you can then compare to choose the best effect to fit the visual / or sound.

5. Follow a simple rule structure - dissect the sound


There are many different ways to create exceptional sound effects (your ultimate goal as a sound designer!). Here's an example of a simple method of creating effects:

  • Make a list of what you will use the sound effect for – e.g. the sound of a giant slug-like creature in a Harry Potter feature film.
  • Try to vocalise what the effect should sound like. Imagine the size of the slug and how it would move. This would be a key starting point.
  • Try creating the sound with your mouth, how would it sound?
  • Now listen to the sound around you. Is there anything that could make a similar sound? If there isn't, you may have to initiate the sounds from scratch.
  • By breaking the sound into parts you can start to understand what goes into making it. This is called dissecting the sound. It's a very important early stage of making sound effects.
  • Now you know what elements make up the sound, you can start to improvise. With the slug creature you might have these elements: slime, peeling, sludge, gloopy, sticky.
  • Is there anything in the real world that makes these sounds? Have a good think about it. This is where experience, listening and learning become helpful. You could try wallpaper paste, meat on a surface, sounds of wet fabrics, or anything else that sounds like your description.
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/newtalent/drama/advice_diey.shtml

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