Lecture:2 hours/week
and
Lab:2 hours/week
Lectures, demonstrations and hands-on studio experience
1. Introduction to Sound for Visual Media
- Overview of postproduction studios and tools
- Elements of postproduction sound
- Workflow of the production process from location audio capture to deliverables for post-production work
2. Location Audio Capture Part 1
- On-set location sound capture by shooting an example short film with typical ‘problem recordings’ for later correction
- Recording techniques for location sound: boom operation, lavalier setups
- Mixing audio signals for separation for sound capture
- Synchronization: free-run sync for audio and video devices
- Backup of audio and video assets to editing software
3. Location Audio Capture Part 2
- Editing in the Davinci workstation, assembling audio and video synchronized to a timeline
- Simple sound correction in Davinci
- Output an AAF/OMF for Pro Tools transfer
- Opening an OMF in Pro Tools
- Introduction of Isotope RX correction suite
4. Location Audio Correction/ Dialogue Editing for live sound acquisition
- Techniques for editing a scene, diagnosing audio for correction
- Izotope RX tools explored
- Checkboarding, fading, clip gain, techniques
- The track laying procedure
- Separating PFX from main dialogue
- Using spare takes to fill gaps
5. Fine tuning Advanced Dialogue Editing
- Finalizing with automation and compression techniques
- Advanced Izotope RX correction - Using RX Connect for problem areas
6. Review of Mixing Specs for Broadcast
- Stereo, Surround, Immersive sound: current specifications for theatrical release and streaming services
- Mixing techniques for live audio compression/EQ/room building with reverb
7. Re-Recording Mixing Techniques
- Room building with Impulse Responses (IR)
- Automation/mix fine tuning
- Addition of background ambiences to ‘complete’ a scene
8. Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR)
- Recording Techniques for ADR: Loebing booms, animation pre-lay, Lavalier
- Pro Tools ADR (automated dialog replacement) workflow
- Time sync methods: 3 beep and streamers
- Basic editing techniques
9. ADR Editing Techniques
- Manual editing, elastic audio
- Vocalign Synchronization methods
10. Screenplay Analysis
- Understanding key storytelling terminology to relate to directors and visual storytellers
- Script Analysis: The Storytelling Arc
- Understanding editing by dramatic beats, pacing, camera angles
- Analysis of diegetic and non-diegetic sound in visual storytelling
- Sonic signifiers and cultural sensitivity
11. Foley Part 1
- Tools and setup required for a competent Foley Studio
- Personnel and skillsets for a functioning Foley studio
- Brief overview of history of Foley and its modern uses
- Analysis of industry examples
- Commonly used Foley sounds and how they are created
- Breakdown of a Foley Sheet: hands, feet, cloth, extras
12. Foley Part 2
- Foley Sound recreations: horror Foley, dry ice, water, lightsabers, etc.
- Foley labelling and track prep for mixing
- DIY Foley techniques: How to build a Foley room, pits, etc.
- Safety procedures and care of equipment
13. Sound Editing Basics
- Using library sounds to enhance diegetic sound moments for live action
- Pro Tools editing techniques using popular keyboard shortcuts
14. Premixing Techniques
- Integrating stems of sound elements into a single mix session
- Premixing stems using folder tracks, compression, EQ, automation techniques
15. Final 2.0 Mixing and Layback
- Creating finished stems, Music and Effects (M AND E) delivery, versioning
- Mixing techniques for eventual localization for international markets
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Critically analyze the basic elements of audio postproduction;
- Describe the dramatic storytelling arcs for sound purposes;
- Demonstrate fluency with basic workflow terminology used in audio postproduction;
- Edit raw location dialogue and refine it with modern correction tools;
- Skillfully create custom sound effects and Foley;
- Mix in standard delivery formats, including stereo, 5.1 surround and Ambisonic/Virtual Reality (VR);
- Cultivate an ongoing awareness of culturally sensitive sounds.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. An example evaluation scheme is included below:
Location Audio Capture |
5% |
Location Audio Correction and Cleanup |
15% |
Location Audio Edit |
10% |
Location Audio Mix |
10% |
ADR Recording and Editing |
20% |
Screenplay Analysis and Music Cue Breakdown |
10% |
Final Sound Design and Edit Project |
30% |
TOTAL |
100% |
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
Example texts may include:
1. The Sound Effects Bible: How to Create and Record Hollywood Style Sound Effects (Viers, Tim) Michael Wiese Productions
2. Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound (Yewdall, David Lewis) Routledge