In games we have a chance to bring characters to life unlike film and television. They can occupy their own space and exist within a more fleshed out and breathing world. Sound enhances that experience both providing key game play information and enriching the overall experience. Here I'll go into how to begin the process of creating unique character sounds that … [Read more...]
Creative Props – Hunting for Insipration
The most fun and creatively satisfying part of sound design, to me, is finding everyday objects and using them in a way no one designed them to function. Recording your own material is rewarding and something I urge everyone to do. In this I want to outline my process in finding new and creative props to create new and creative sounds.. Sometimes the sound you need is sitting … [Read more...]
Ideas in Sound Design: Semiotics and Language – Part 2
Cross-posting from my personal blog. In my last article, I talked about Semiotics and encouraged sound designers and editors to think of sound for picture as a language; or, at least, as a component of the language used by any given film. I'd rather not rehash the specific elements of Semiotics that were discussed. There are several ideas that I'm going to assume you've read … [Read more...]
Ideas in Sound Design: Semiotics and Language – Part 1
Cross-posting from my personal blog. Let's start off with a disclaimer. I am no expert in linguistics and semantics, nor would I consider myself truly conversant in the many critical models employed in film theory/criticism. Semiotics was something waved in front of my eyes a couple of times during undergrad (where I did not studio audio or film, by the way), then explored in … [Read more...]
Ideas in Sound Design: Deprivation and Barriers – Part 2
Cross-posting from my personal blog. This article is the follow up to Part 1 of Ideas in Sound Design: Deprivation and Barriers. I've gathered a selection of media to discuss the ideas presented in the original article. I will focus on three films and one video game trailer: Saving Private Ryan, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Fight Club and Mass Effect 3's Take Earth … [Read more...]
Ideas in Sound Design: Deprivation and Barriers – Part 1
Cross-posting from personal blog. I've had two ideas take obsessive root in my brain recently. They're not new concepts, nor are they new to me. My first introduction to them was 8 years ago now, but I find myself pondering them with the regularity that my dog wants food. [Now? Now?! ...........Nooooow?] They're worth talking about in a public space, because I hope they'll … [Read more...]