BLOG QUESTION: DIEGETIC VS. NON-DIEGETIC SOUND

What is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound? What is an example of each that you can think of from a film?

diegetic can be used to describe sound and visual elements. anything within the narratuvevwirld that the character can interact. This includes:

- dialogue

- mise-en-scene

- in-world music/sfx

non-diegetic elements are still part of the film, but they don’t affect the world of the story. This includes:

- narration

- external graphics

- cinematic score

- added sound effects

An example of diegetic sound in film is shown in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, when the characters Sam and Patrick are dancing at their school dance. The music is playing in their world, and they’re able to react to it. An example of non-diegetic elements is shown in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World throughout the entire movie, with onomatopoeia’s written out and other external graphics to give it the comic book look.

BLOG QUESTION: CAMERA VS EXTERNAL RECORDER

What are the benefits of recording audio on your camera vs. an external recorder? Why would you want to use one verses the other?

The main benefits of recording on camera include having a simpler set up, having the audio synced up to the video (meaning it doesn't necessarily require slate to sync audio

external recorder), and it can allow you to use the camera and monitor the audio at the same time. The benefits of recording on an external recorder comes with having better quality audio, better controls, detailed metering options, digital processing, and improved headphone monitoring. You might want to use an external recorder because it’s more robust, it can handle more wear and tear, and it’s not limited to 2 channels. Some also work as audio interfaces with your computer 

BLOG QUESTION: AUDIO LEVELS FOR VIDEO

What are the key points that you learned about setting our audio levels from this video?

Levels are measured in decibels dB. There are 2 scenarios that dictate where your levels should land: recording and delivery (editing) levels. Never hit 0 or go above 0 when recording audio, you should be on the negative end or else it will cause audio distortion. -10 to -12 is a good range to have your levels in because it gives enough head space before peaking, in case a sound becomes too loud. You should always keep an eye on your levels when recording and adjust it depending on the environment and who you're recording. You can have your subject talk in the tone they plan to in order to set your levels. For delivery levels, it depends on where you plan to distribute. Streaming services or TV have strict guidelines about the audio levels. For web videos, try to get your levels as close to 0 for your final project, but make sure it doesn't peak.

BLOG QUESTION: GREAT AUDIO OUTDOORS

What are some challenges with recording audio outdoors? What are some ways to get around them and record great audio?

When recording outdoors, background noise becomes more apparent when you start recording sound and it's usually out of your control. Some ways to get around that is to use the correct microphone depending on the environment you're recording in and how many subjects you have. Having a wireless lavalier is a safe option, since it'll mostly pick up the speaker directly and you can add wind screens on them to add extra protection from background noise/wind. You can also have a boom mic with a wind screen if you're trying to pick up multiple people.

BLOG QUESTION: RECORDING GREAT AUDIO

What are the benefits of using a microphone on a boom vs a lav vs on the camera? What are the differences between single and dual-system recording?

When you record on camera, you save yourself time from having to sync up the audio in post. When you record on the boom, the audio is usually higher quality, more natural sounding, and the actors don’t have to worry about their movements in regards to sound as it wont pick up clothing ruffle as much. Recording on a Lav can allow your subject to move more freely, it's good for Long shots, and its good for noisy environments. Single system recording is when the audio recording is directly connected to the camera, making it in sync with the video and saving you time in post-production. Dual-system is when your audio device is connected to a separate digital audio recorder and/or sound-mixer, meaning that syncing up has to be done in post. Having a dual system gives you more freedom to move around.

BLOG QUESTION: ZOOM H6N MIXER

Summarize 3 different key functions of the Zoom recorder that you picked up from this short video. What is one question you still have on how to operate the recorder?

One side contains 2 audio inputs, the SD card slot, headphone input, volume control, and the power button. The other side contains 2 more audio inputs, menu control knob, menu button, and usb. The top interface allows you to control the volume of individual inputs, 6 buttons that enable the audio channels, and record/ playback recordings. In order to format: press menu, scroll to SD Card, Format, and select yes. The zoom recorder also records in 2 different formats: Compressed mp3 file, and high quality wave file. To enable, press menu, scroll to record, record format, and choose wave (for high quality) or mp3 (long recording times). Depending on your microphone, you can also enable phantom power by pressing menu, scrolling to inputs and outputs, select phantom, and on/off depending on what track you have it on. To make sure your audio doesnt distort, pay attention to the audio markings. It should usually be around -12. One question I have about the recorder is what format fits best for narrative filmmaking, documentary making, and ADR, and how different the compressed vs high quality formats are.

BLOG QUESTION: LAVALIER WALKTHROUGH

Summarize 3 different key functions of a lavalier that you picked up from this short video. What is one question you still have on how to set up a lav?

Lavs are great for recording audio of multiple people, documentaries, and speeches. They can be hidden on a persons clothing, or on their skin with medical/moleskin tape. They also come with a receiver and transmitter, can be wired or wireless. Paying a higher price for lavs usually leads to better quality and more longevity. One question I have about wireless lavs is how to determine the correct frequency you need to be on and how to set that on your transmitter/receiver. There are websites that show you the best frequency but I’m still confused on how that works. 

BLOG QUESTION: THE BOOM MICROPHONE

Summarize 3 different key functions of a boom microphone that you picked up from this short video. What is one question you still have on how to operate a boom?

It’s important to have the mic in position as close as possible to your subject. Point it directly at their mouth and keep it at the same distance throughout the scene. Know who’s talking and when they’re talking and understand the rhythm of the scene. Go to rehearsals or study the script in order to plan your movements ahead. Don’t rub fingers along the pole as it'll create noise in the recording. Keep your body, the shadow/reflection and boom pole out of frame.

BLOG QUESTION: PICKUP PATTERNS

What are the different pickup patterns mentioned in the video? How are each of them different from each other? Why would these be needed?

The different pickup patterns mentioned include Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Hypercardioid (Mini-Shotguns), Supercardioid (Shotgun), Lobar (Unidirectional), and Bidirectional (Figure 8 Pattern). An omnidirectional pickup pattern records audio from every direction, meaning that they pickup a lot of surrounding sound. This pickup pattern is helpful when you're trying to control ambient sound or subjects that are moving around, and it's commonly used for lav mics. A cardioid mic is great for many purposes, but particularly documentaries or events. They can still pickup background noise if they're not in a controlled environment. Hypercardioid and Supercardioid (also known as mini and regular shotguns) are best for recording isolated sounds. Hypercardiod pickup patterns are commonly used to record instruments, as on-camera mics, and for documentary recordings. Supercardiod pickup patterns are best for scripted audio. The different between the two is the amount of noise that is picked up from behind the mic, with hypercardioid picking up more sound. Lobar is the most unidirectional pickup pattern, and is best used for controlled sets and narrative film. You'll need someone to assist you on set if you decide to use this mic, and someone who's experienced and familiar with it. Lastly, the bidirectional pickup pattern is used for podcasts and radio interviews. This mic picks up audio equally from the front and back of the mic.

BLOG QUESTION: WALKIE-TALKIE LINGO ON SET

How can effective walkie-talkie communication improve coordination and safety on a film set, and what are some key best practices you should follow when using them?

Understanding walkie-talkie lingo can help you and your crew communicate effectively between departments. It allows you to communicate directly to someone in case you need them for any reason. Some basic etiquette that's important to follow is to make sure you stay concise, professional (no banter), give people time to respond by hiding your wires, waiting a beat, address people directly, know what channel you're on, and move to an open channel to talk to another person. Make sure that you're walkie is fully charge and that you hand it back to the person in charge of keeping htem.

BLOG QUESTION: THE DIFFERENT MICROPHONE TYPES

What are the different types of microphones mentioned in the video? How are each of them different from each other? What are the best uses for each?

There are Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon Microphones. Dynamic mics are inexpensive, they're considered "tough" mics, and the coil in the mic dynamically moves and changes acoustic energy to electronic energy. It can usually only respond to only up to 10kHz in frequency, but it doesn't need external or internal power to operate. It is usually used for voiceovers and broadcast, guitar and snare drum miking, and sound reinforcement in general. Ribbon mics operate similarly to a dynamic mic but uses a strip of aluminum foil instead of a coil of water. It moves faster to acoustic sound than dynamic mics and can respond to higher frequencies. However, they're quite fragile compared to dynamic mics. Using phantom power on a ribbon mic would destroy it. Due to this, they can be more expensive compared to dynamic mics. They're usually used to mic instruments such as cymbals, bass, piano, electric and acoustic guitars, and brass instruments. Condenser mics use 2 electrically charged plates, one that can move and one that's fixed. It responds to higher frequencies well like ribbon mics. They come in small and large diaphragm versions. A small diaphragm has a single pickup pattern, and a large has multiple. The smaller ones have a lower frequency response compared to the large ones, making the large ones favored by vocalists. Unlike the previous two, they require internal and external power. Most condenser mics use something called phantom power, which can be supplied from recording consoles and external mic pre-amps. Well-made condenser mics can be expensive, and less expensive ones usually have a poorer frequency response. The mics are also affected by humidity and temperature, unlike the previous two mics. This mic is usually used to record instruments like cymbals, drum overheads, piano, acoustic guitar, string sections, and as well as vocals.

BLOG QUESTION: WRAPPING A CABLE

Why are A/V cables wrapped over/under and power cables wrapped over/over? Why is this an important skill for a beginning filmmaker?

When wrapping a AV cable, you want to wrap it over/under (the pinch twist method) because you want to make sure that the cable doesn't tangle when you extend it and you want the cable to lay flat in order to prevent any kinking. You want to wrap power cables over/over in order to get the coils out of the wire. This is an important skill to learn because it'll save you a lot of time in the long run when setting or wrapping up, it'll prolong the life of your wires by preventing shorts, and it'll help you stay organized by preventing any tangles/coils in your wire. 

BLOG QUESTION: MONO VS. STEREO

What is the difference between stereo and mono recordings? What are 2 things that you found interesting in this article? Why?

Stereo contains both left and right channels, giving it 3-Dimensional sound. It has two channels with the same source of audio, and it allows you to record unique/different audios for both channels. Mono is "one" recording, with one mic, onto one channel. When the output puts out the same sound, even if there are two speakers (ex. headphones), it is considered mono. What u found most interesting was that the two-channel audio system was demonstrated by Clement Ader as early as 1881, but mono audio was still used up until the 1940s. Fantasia, A disney movie, was the first movie to use stereophonic sound and that is also a nice detail.

BLOG QUESTION: HOW STAR WARS REVOLUTIONIZED SOUND

What was the effect of Star Wars on the movie industry? How did it affect the audience at this time? What were the long-term historical trends that Star Wars set into motion after this?

Star Wars set new standards for visual effects, sound design, and blockbuster marketing. The Dolby Stereo sound and special effects were liked by audiences. The film’s success drove theaters to upgrade their audio systems, leading to the development of THX certification and popularity of surround sound. Star Wars paved the way for event films, movie merchandising, and advanced technology in both filmmaking and movie theaters, shaping Hollywood’s blockbuster culture.

BLOG QUESTION: DEANZA COLLEGE TOUR REFLECTION

After touring DeAnza College's film production facilities, what aspects of their program or resources stood out to you, and how could they influence your approach to your college and career future?

I thought that the facilities at DeAnza were very impressive, especially compared to SJSU. I find their quarter-system interesting as it makes the program more vigorous, and forces students to build their skills faster. I like that it's a hands-on program that teaches all aspects of production, and that they offer many materials for their students to utilize. I'm interested in learning more about what classes they offer to help people who want to do post-production editing, and if they provide classes that will teach skills such as motion graphics, etc. DeAnza is definitely a strong choice for me if I choose to do a 2-year transfer instead of going straight to a 4 year.

BLOG QUESTION: WHY IS SOUND IMPORTANT?

In your own words, write an in-depth reflection on three ways that sound is important in television and film?

Sound is important in television and film because it adds emotional depth, it can further the plot/narrative, and it can enhance the action shown on screen by making it more immersive. Things like sound effects can make the film more realistic, immersing the audience into the story. Music/scores for a film can add emotions, set the pacing, and create the tone and atmosphere.

BLOG QUESTION: THE THREAT OF TV

Why was Hollywood threatened by television? What were three key reasons it became a threat?

Hollywood was threatened by television because it drew them away from theaters and into their homes for free entertainment. 3 key reasons TV became a major threat were its convenience, since watching media from home was more accessible than going to a movie palaces, the Supreme Court’s antitrust ruling, which forced studios to separate production, distribution, and exhibition, and the government’s restrictions on studio ownership of TV stations, preventing them from controlling them. Major film stars and creative talent shifted to TV leading to the decline of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

BLOG QUESTION: THE GOLDEN AGE ENDS

What caused the end of the golden age of Hollywood? What was so significant about this change in its history?

The end of the Golden Age of Hollywood was caused by the 1948 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Paramount Pictures which prohibited major studios from owning theaters and practicing monopoly tactics like block booking. This was significant because it opened the industry to independent filmmakers, changed the way movies were distributed and exhibited, and weakened the control that a few studios had over the entire film market. Studios could no longer guarantee profits through theaters, leading to changes in the types of movies produced.

BLOG QUESTION: THE LAST SILENT FILMS

According to this article, why did Hollywood switch over to "talkies" so fast? Why was 1928 such a pivotal year for silent cinema?

Producers and exhibitors could see that the audience craved "talkies" over silent films, and that it was going to be the next big thing in Hollywood, and possibly even internationally. They recognized the potential for the invention and they knew it was going to be the next big era for the movie industry. 1928 was a pivotal year for silent cinema because it was a time where both silent and talkie films were being shown in theaters at the same time, it was the year of transition. It was also a year that marked a division in Hollywood stars (silent film actors vs. talkie actors).