Guest Contribution by Charles Maynes With all the talk of what “is” or perhaps “isn’t” Sound Design, I think that largely we forget to recognize that ALL of the sound that is in a film, Television program, or interactive experience is “Sound Design”. Often times, we quickly forget the contributions of our dialog, and especially our music department in the way those sound … [Read more...]
All Those Important Little Touches…
Sometimes selling the story isn't about how cool that weapon sounds, how intimidating the monster vocal is, or how eerie the wind feels. Sometimes, the sounds that are needed most are those tiny little touches we take for granted. Getting just the right footfall, the rattle of keys as they're shoved into a pocket, or the gentle rustle of fabric that comes with the turn of a … [Read more...]
Sound Librarian Location Recording Workshop 2013
Guest Contribution by: Michael Theiler The creation of sound is a very specific area of production requiring unique skills that can take time to learn through practise. Some people like myself take part in University courses to help get the skills and knowledge required to perform to the exacting standards required of the industry. I have a … [Read more...]
Tunes and Tones: A Writer/Director’s Perspective on Sound
Guest Contribution by Pierce O'Toole Writer/Director Pierce O'Toole shares his thoughts on music and sound design, and how they play into his creative process. As a writer and director, my biggest concern on any project is the story. Every project has a story that you are trying to tell. When I approach sound, the lens I view it through - or the speaker I hear it through, I … [Read more...]
Review: Robobiotics
Although we are halfway into a new topic month here on Designing Sound; listening through Empty Sea’s new Robobiotics library makes me think about last month’s “Noise” topic. Of course not in any negative way mind you, but noise in the way Rob Bridgett described it as: “desirable noise”. If you think about it robot servo motor sounds/foley have become an integral part of … [Read more...]
Nicolas Becker – Behind the Art
We’re getting very close to the end of 2012 and there’s been lots of brilliant sonic experiences in the cinema throughout the year. One that really stood out, though, was the latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights by the English director Andrea Arnold with wonderfully textured soundscapes created by the French sound designer Nicolas Becker. Nicolas has worked as a foley artist … [Read more...]
Working Hollywood: Gary Hecker makes noise for ‘Savages’
At age 16, Hecker first witnessed a session of foley — named after legendary Hollywood sound effects pioneer Jack Foley. After graduating from high school, Hecker dedicated himself to learning the craft during a six-month apprenticeship with his stepfather Bob Rutledge, who owned a sound editorial company. More than 30 years later, Hecker, 51, has collaborated with top … [Read more...]