SOUND DESIGN FOR
FILM
BY PATRICK KABUGI – COMPOSER AND SOUND DESIGNER FOR FILM AND TV
WHY TALK ABOUT FILM SOUND
• “Sound is half the film” George Lucas
• Film sound remains a challenge for most of our productions
• Sound works with the picture to tell the story –
Good picture + Good sound = Great Film
• If we improve our film sound, our film will compete with the best globally.
ELEMENTS OF FILM SOUND
Dialogue Music Sound Effects
Dialogue
• Conversation
• Narration
• Monologue
• Other mouth sounds e.g. sighs
or groans.
Music
• Underscore
• Source Music
• Songs
• Themes
• Titles
• Character Themes
Sound Effects
• Hard and soft effects
• Foley
• Ambience
Putting it Together
• Apply the elements (DME) to tell the story in the best possible way.
• The RIGHT SOUND, placed in the right place in SPACE and TIME
We call this SOUND DESIGN.
WHAT IS GOOD
FILM SOUND?
• Well edited
• Audible dialogue
• Consistent levels
• Smooth transitions
• Good balance (mix)
…Does it add to the story?
BUT…… A step back……
What is film sound supposed to do?
Functions of Film Sound - 1
• Tell the story – especially through dialogue
• Identifies the space or geographical location eg. In a town, by the
beach.
• Indicates a historical period
• May give details about time and seasons
Functions of Film Sound - 2
• Draws us in to the world of the characters - keeps the “illusion” going
• Sound directs our attention to details on or off screen that are important..
• Gives a sense of continuity in transition
• Adds to drama – by emphasizing certain sounds or with perspective
• Should add realism
• Must connect emotionally with the audience
• Must make the audience believe that what they see is
real
GOOD FILM • Must take us right into the middle of the action
SOUND……
IS GOOD FILM SOUND ACHIEVABLE?
• Requires support from the whole film
making team
• Sufficient allocation both in TIME and
Good Film
BUDGET in order to take care of all
Sound……
the details required
• Good preparation by the sound team
• Attention to detail by the sound team
SOUND MAPPING
This is the process of constructing the soundtrack step by step
that starts in preproduction and ends when the final soundtrack
is delivered for layback.
Listen for:
Sound Mapping • Actions
• Objects
Step 1
• Environment
Read the Script • Emotions
• Transitions
Actions
• Walking - Footsteps and clothes rustle
• Punches
• Playing ball
• Sitting
Objects
1. Things in the scene that make sound by themselves – clock,
fridge, ac….
2. The sound of the objects/props the actors are interacting with.
Floor, shoes & and their characteristic sound. E.g. Sports shoes
on gravel.
Environment
The Ambience of the space the scene is in.
NB: The natural sound of the space
Consider the different zones:
Inside – middle zone - distant
Emotions
The general mood (or mood changes) in a scene
Is it sad, happy, celebration, anger, peaceful?
- Usually carried by the music
- Also translates in the sound effects
- Emotions determine sound levels in the final mix.
Transitions
Transitions refers to:
1. Change from one location or space to another
2. A shift in the mood or direction of the story
SOUND MAP TEMPLATE
Scene
No. LIST OF SOUNDS REMARKS
22* Sounds (as “heard” from script)
Jane’s footsteps Flip flops on PVC tiled floor
Door knock Heavy hard wood door
Baby crying
Boom Op:
Additional sounds (explain) Watch out for Jane’s scream.
Distant traffic (city suburb) Record baby’s sounds, giggles,
Heavy breathing (Jane is scared) whimpers
Fridge, freezer (typical of a kitchen in city suburb) Record door knock from outside and
inside for POV
Record room tone
Sound Mapping
• Share your vision for the sound
Step 2 • Hear the director's expectations
• Adjust your plans for sound
Meeting the
Director • Get director’s support on set: e.g. for
additional takes where needed.
Sound Mapping
• Hear the rest of the team-mates
Step 3 visions about the film
• Share your vision for the sound
Meeting the Rest of
the Team • Get everybody’s support for your
sound.
Sound Mapping
• Ensure all the sounds required are
Step 4
recorded.
Follow the • Ensure good organization such as
Production and Edit
logging, backing up etc
Sound Mapping
• Review the picture lock with the
Step 5
director and editor and see what gaps
The Spotting exist against your sound map
Session
• TWISTED EP 1 for spotting
Sound Mapping Dialogue
• Production sound
Step 6
• Alternative takes
Identify Sound • ADR
Sources
• Wild lines (wild takes)
Sound effects
Sound Mapping • Production sound
• Alternative takes
Step 6
• Foley (in the studio)
Identify Sound • On set recording
Sources • Sound libraries
• Internet downloads
Sound Mapping Music
• Free music downloads
Step 6
• Production libraries
Identify Sound • Hiring a composer
Sources
• Composing the music yourself