LO2 - Understanding how sound elements are produced for media products
Many different types of sound and Audio elements are used in films/TV and various other media products. A lot of these Sounds are produced by different teams ad in many different ways.
Soundtrack
The production of the soundtrack for a film or TV show usually takes place alongside the filming. In most cases it is done via a mixture of recording real instruments and the use of sound editing/composition software which allows the composer to tweak the raw audio into something that fits the product more aptly. More often than not there are countless drafts of a soundtrack most of which are discarded as production progresses and the composer gains a more rounded idea of what they want the soundtrack to become. During the creation of a films soundtrack (particularly with blockbuster) often "Temp Music" is placed in during the beginning. Temp music is already composed music from another product which is usually of a similar genre inserted into the cut to help a director get a sense of the mood and whether or not to make any changes to editing. From that point on the composer must compose an original soundtrack based on the directors feedback, this can be to create something similar to the Temp Music or a completely different piece.
Ambient Sounds
Ambient sounds are some of the most simple to record but they can also prove troublesome. To record the sound you simply need to place a microphone in a stationary location for however much time you need. However elements like weather and human interference can often ruin audio tracks. This is why often microphones will be recording for hours at a time, bringing a larger amount of audio and increasing the chance of having the perfect sounds at some point.
Dialogue
Dialogue is one of the most important elements of a film and is often essential in convey the narrative or message of the product. When recording films is often difficult to record dialogue well due to outside factors effecting the cut. This is why directional microphones are often used to try and eliminate these factors without having to re-record, which with could easily be poorly lip synched by actors. A clipper board is often used during takes with dialogue to help audio recordings match up with the footage more easily.
Foley
Foley sound is the process of recording physical objects to create sound fx. It is usually used for the production of a projects more "Everyday" sounds (e.g. footsteps, creaky doors, using tools). Foley Artists watch the muted video whilst recording making sounds in time to whatever is happened on screen so that they can record it in time to the video. They use this more physical method to try an create more realistic sounds, then would be possible by just manipulating already recorded footage. This also allows for creation of sound precisely timed or with any small detail for the scene which will help sell the realism of the product and immerse viewers. Foley sound is needed because whilst filming scenes audio recordings can be easily affected by outside elements (background noise, echos) which ruins the quality and negatively effects the outcome of the scene, however by recording fresh sounds in a safe environment, there is no risk of unwanted factors effecting the product.
Soundtrack
The production of the soundtrack for a film or TV show usually takes place alongside the filming. In most cases it is done via a mixture of recording real instruments and the use of sound editing/composition software which allows the composer to tweak the raw audio into something that fits the product more aptly. More often than not there are countless drafts of a soundtrack most of which are discarded as production progresses and the composer gains a more rounded idea of what they want the soundtrack to become. During the creation of a films soundtrack (particularly with blockbuster) often "Temp Music" is placed in during the beginning. Temp music is already composed music from another product which is usually of a similar genre inserted into the cut to help a director get a sense of the mood and whether or not to make any changes to editing. From that point on the composer must compose an original soundtrack based on the directors feedback, this can be to create something similar to the Temp Music or a completely different piece.
Ambient Sounds
Ambient sounds are some of the most simple to record but they can also prove troublesome. To record the sound you simply need to place a microphone in a stationary location for however much time you need. However elements like weather and human interference can often ruin audio tracks. This is why often microphones will be recording for hours at a time, bringing a larger amount of audio and increasing the chance of having the perfect sounds at some point.
Dialogue
Dialogue is one of the most important elements of a film and is often essential in convey the narrative or message of the product. When recording films is often difficult to record dialogue well due to outside factors effecting the cut. This is why directional microphones are often used to try and eliminate these factors without having to re-record, which with could easily be poorly lip synched by actors. A clipper board is often used during takes with dialogue to help audio recordings match up with the footage more easily.
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