Marc gets audio ready during our Thunderboys shoot
Audio is an area that is commonly overlooked by beginning filmmakers and seasoned indie-filmmakers. Hell, I’ve even heard stories of ridiculous audio blunders committed by some of the most respected film industry studios and professionals that make us amateurs look like we invented the business.
Either way, there’s no arguing that your film’s audio is crucial in creating a strong piece and pulling off a professional finish. Your sound design can tell just as much of a story as something seen visually onscreen. Your choice of music, where you place it, and how frequently you use it can make or break your movie. In our short films with our limited team, sound design takes just as long as it does to achieve picture lock (assuming we’re working in the standard workflow, which is typically not true for us). All of that said, it’s a part of production that we’re always trying to improve upon.
So what’s the best way to get better at all this stuff? The same way you become better at anything. Practice.
Of course, a little help and guidance from professionals can help. A Bay Area native himself, Michael Coleman produces segments on the different aspects and workflows of sound-design on feature length films. Check out the latest segment below, all about the recent Sony Pictures film, Salt (2010).
“Salt” Sound For Film Profile from Michael Coleman on Vimeo.
In fact, there’s a whole slew of these segments that you can see at http://soundworkscollection.com/. They’re entertaining and informative, so give them a watch, and you just might learn something cool. Here’s another one that I found especially interesting. It’s about the sound design and audio recording from a little movie called Inception (2010). You might have heard about it somewhere.
“Inception” Sound for Film Profile from Michael Coleman on Vimeo.
As for us here at Terrabang, we just bought ourselves a Zoom H4n as part of our audio solution. If you’ve never checked it out before, you should. It’ll make your indie productions that much better.
first video was insightful never saw the movie though. they make a lot of good points about sound design. i agree that most sound sucks even and it kilsl me especially on youtube even the good channels. its overlooked. i also bought a zoom, but not the h4n. i love it.