Sound Design for Film 201


Course Information

Fees: € 99,- (approx: US$ 127,- or £ 84,-, other currencies)

Course Language:English English

Learning Advisor: Bastian Mueller

Duration: 4 Weeks

Level: 201 Intermediate


Learning Advisor: Bastian Mueller

Read More
Bastian Mueller's picture

1994 Started playing Drums
1995 Started playing Keyboard
1996 Sstrted playing Guitar

2003 Audio Engineering Diploma
2005 BA(Hons) Recording Arts
2008 Master in Multimedia Production

2008 Lecturer for Audio Engineering SAE Amman, Jordan
2009 Learning Advisor for Sound Design for Film, SAEOnLine
2010 Head Instructor for Audio Engineering at SAE Cologne, Germany
2010 Campus Academic Coordinator at SAE Cologne, Germany
2012 Academic Coordinator for Master of Arts in Professional Media Creation at SAE Cologne/Bochum in coorperation with Folkwang University of the Arts Essen, Germany.

I need more information

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the process of designing a “soundtrack” for film. This can be anything from a short movie over a TV ad to an animation project. The goal is to create an understanding of how sound can be used to support and enhance the overall visual entertainment experience.

Amongst with some technical aspects that will be dealt with the focus lies strongly on the effect sound can have when it is applied in a creative and pro-active way. During the course you will create your own soundtrack to a visual medium of your choice using your favorite software.

Basic knowledge of how to operate a recording/sequencer software is recommended although not necessary.

  • You will be introduced to the terminology of the field of “Sound Design”
  • You will learn about both technical and creative aspects of Sound Design.
  • You will discover how music, sound effects and dialogue can enhance the audience’s experience.
  • You will get an understanding what a film’s “soundtrack” consist of and how the different parts are created.
  • Depending on the project the creating of a soundtrack can include Foley Recording, ADR, creating sound effects, recording dialogue or field recording.
  • You will learn how to analyze a film soundtrack and how to create one on your own using your own recordings or sound effect libraries.

  • Week 1:
    • Introduction to Sound Design
    • What is sound design?
    • What are the main elements of a soundtrack in a film?
    • Why is sound important?
    • The history of sound for film
    • Technical aspects of sound for film
    • Creating of a “storyboard for audio” We will look at many different examples during this course.
  • Week 2:
    • How sound is applied to a film
    • How can I use sound?
    • Where do I find sound effects?
    • How can I create my own sound effects
    • Where can I find music that I can use in my projects?
    • Starting to create a soundtrack for a visual component
  • Week 3:
    • Working on Sound Design
    • What can I do to improve my sound design
    • Is my sound design convincing
    • What about dialogue?
    • What about music?
    • Improving the soundtrack and getting feedback
  • Week 4:
    • The final touch
    • What else can I do to my sound design?
    • How can I use effects on my soundtrack?
    • How can I make sure the format is correct?
    • What can I edit?
    • Editing, improving and bouncing the final soundtrack to the desired medium. This can be a DVD, a flash movie, or other video and sound formats.

  • On successful completion of the course you will be able to create your own “soundtrack” for a visual story such as a film, an ad or an animation.
  • On successful completion of the course you will be familiar with the different elements of sound in film and know the different jobs of the sound team.
  • On successful completion of the course you will have the knowledge of how sound is used as a tool to enhance the viewing experience.
  • On successful completion of the course you will know how to create sound library and where to search for sounds.

  • Any recording/sequencing software that allows to create sound for film. e.g. Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, ProTools

I have thoroughly enjoyed this on line course, it was a real big eye opener. The information available from both the on line resources and from the comments that Bastian has made over the past 4 weeks have been invaluable to me. Battle Bee was indeed a challenge, but not an impossible one to achieve. Working on the animation had it's ups and downs for me... there were times I thought "this is a bit much for 10 hours per week"... so I did what I thought was the right thing to do... I put in more than the required 10 hours. In week 3 I think it was pretty close to 20 hours in total. I would like to thank the SAE on line course staff for all their hard work on putting such a comprehensive program together. A personal thanks to Bastian too... his advice was taken in the manner it was intended as constructive criticism. I took his advice on board and noticed how much of a difference it made to the overall sound and feeling of the animation. Thanks Bastian, you are a good guy! 

Bob Martin (Bonnie Scotland)

I'm implementing a lot from the course right now, this month I will see how much result there will be. Things look promising ! I keep you posted. Music Marketing Course.

Niels de Leeuw

  • Play Video Tour
  • Play Video Tour
  • Sample A Course
  • Course Demo