Sound Design
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
Skills:
- Operate a digital audio workstation, to adequately construct a complete soundtrack
- Effectively use sound shaping tools including EQ, Dynamics, and Reverb to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the soundtrack
- Identify and implement useable production dialogue elements
- Record or select alternate dialogue elements including VO and ADR
- Record or select appropriate sound effects elements including backgrounds
- Create or select, edit, and mix appropriate music elements
- Effectively edit dialogue, sound effects, and music as required
- Effectively mix all sound elements together to form a unified soundtrack
Knowledge:
- Describe how elements combine to create a total effect
- Identify subtle differences in the sonic texture of sounds when used in combination
- Assess the sound needs of any particular production to enhance picture
- Assess relative quality of recorded tracks through acquired critical listening skills (Ear training)
General Competence:
- Make critical decisions in a time-constrained environment
- Create a plan and execute it, with enough flexibility to make changes and still maintain the integrity of the plan
- Focus on details in a critical fashion
- Work in a task-specific way, yet within a larger group or dynamic
Classes will consist of lecture / demonstrations on theoretical material, including gain structure, metering, editing and mixing theory, session construction, and aesthetic considerations for each specific element in a soundtrack. The role of music as an emotion generator will also be highlighted.
Labs will consist of practical application of theoretical principals and instructional procedures, including instruction in the set-up and operation of Pro Tools or other DAWs, the development of sound editing, mixing, and exporting skills, and effective music production. Assignments will consist of various creation, editing, and mixing tasks.
Lab exercises may be conducted in small groups to foster discovery and collaboration, at the discretion of the instructors. Group or individual grading will apply to all practical mandatories, consistent with the assignment structure. Paper mandatories and portfolio submissions will receive individual grades.
Relevant reading material and videos may be assigned throughout the course, to arm the students with additional insight going into the lab periods.
Classes will be held on-campus or online, or a combination of both.
Portfolio
Grade: A-F
Film and TV Production
Only for students accepted at the Bachelor program Film and TV production
