Sound Design for Film

Code: SndFlm Duration: 4 Weeks Start: Monthly Level: Beginner Credits: 0 Linked: N/A Learning Advisor: Bastian Mueller

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 the visual. 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.

Course Prerequisites

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

Course Aims

• 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.

Course Topics

• 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.

Course Outcomes

• 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.

Required Resources

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