Here are the answers to the questions that some of you made to Andrew Lackey. Designing Sound Reader: I have technical question regarding monitor placement and stereo imaging. In most studios (like my own) the monitors are some distance to the left and right of my two computer monitors, where most of the time on the right one the movie is displayed. Andrew Lackey: When I have … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2009
Andrew Lackey Special: 11 Field Recording Tips
Sound recordists are a special breed. On a recent trip to Zambia, the safari guides were very interested in the sound I recorded of the animals and villager’s ceremonial drumming. Apparently no one ever records sounds there. Here are 11 general tips from my experience field recording for film, games, music and fun. 1) Put together a really great rig. Building your rig is … [Read more...]
The Sound of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen"
New and great profile at SoundWorks Collection, this time for "Tranformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" Director Michael Bay returns for a second serving of robot mayhem in “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”. Also returning for another call of duty with Bay include the talents of his sound team including Sound Re-Recording Mixer Greg Russell, Supervising Sound Editor Erik … [Read more...]
The Use of Silence in Sound Design
George Spanos has published a new article at GameSoundDesign, this time talking about the use and approach of silence in sound design. Silence is a very powerful sound. Sound? Silence is not a sound... right? Well I think that silence should be considered a "sound", a "sound effect", and "music". But that's crazy isn't it… how can the lack of sound be considered the same as … [Read more...]
The Sound Design of "Avatar"
Avatar is one of the most impressive films I've seen. Amazing use of technology and a great story. Fantastic combination. The 3D experience there is totally amazing. The sound is really great... A good challenge with animals, sci-fi stuff and of course: create a new world. The January's Issue of Mix Magazine contain a fantastic article featuring Chris Boyes talking about the … [Read more...]
Andrew Lackey Special: Surviving the Crunch; Being Healthy Sound Designers
For many of us, this time of year is about spending time with family and friends; the other "half" of the life balance. I jokingly put half in quotes because that "half" can look a lot more like a sliver on the pie chart during some projects. One of the dicier topics in our industry is "The Crunch": the final weeks or months of a project where there aren't enough hours in … [Read more...]
Ben Burtt and Gunshot Sound Effects for Western Movies
Great mini-documentary featuring Ben Burtt and the creation of gunshot sound effects for western movies … [Read more...]