BLOG QUESTION: SOUND EFFECTS FOR THE SCREEN

What is the foley artists' role in crafting sound effects? Explain in detail three different things that you learned in this video and how they affect the final film.

A foley artist is responsible for creating sound effects that match the action/environment on screen. One thing I learned was that foley artists work often with the visual effects department and get material to work with daily in order to match the sound with the action on screen. They also work with the sound effects editors along with the music editors to make the final product. I also learned that Footsteps is one of the most common sounds they have to make, and every detail is important down to the type of shoe and how heavy they walk. This can affect the emotion of the scene and convey the character’s intentions/emotions. Everything a foley artist creates should immerse you into the film.

BLOG QUESTION: REALISTIC DIALOG

What does this essay have to say about realistic dialog? Do you think dialog in films should sound realistic or not? Why?

Realistic dialogue should show the truth behind a conversation or a characters true motive without directly stating it. In realistic conversation, people may also talk over each other or miscommunicate, which is also shown in realistic dialogue. For example, in a conversation between a father and son who are disagreeing with each other, they may talk over each other about their own personal issues without directly telling the other that they feel invalidated by the other’s response. Instead, they’ll keep continuing on with their own explanation over one another to get the other’s attention. Without explicitly stating this, the conversation shows the truth behind their conversation; They don’t really care too much for the other to understand the story, they want to be understood/validated by the other. I think realistic dialogue in films are great because they immerse you into the reality of the film. I also think it depends on the style /genre of film. If i’m watching a drama, I would prefer realistic dialogue because it can indirectly use conversations to show the truth behind a characters emotions/motivations, but if I’m watching a comedy or a Wes Anderson film, the eccentric/unrealistic dialogue could add more to the humor or strangeness of the film that the filmmakers are trying to convey.

BLOG QUESTION: CATEGORIES OF SOUND

What are each of the different categories of sound that are explained? In detail, explain the role of each of these categories of sound in film and how they enhance the story.

The different categories of sound include dialogue, sfx, and music. Dialogue is communicated by the characters of a film rather than a narrator. It can be used to express their emotions, give information to important elements of the plot, and establish a character’s personality/motivations. Sound effects can be divided into two categories: synchronized and asynchronous. synchronized sound is used to emphasize the realism of a film, and asynchronous sound is used to add more emotional nuance (such as comedy or horror) to a film. Lastly, music is used to add emotion or give a film rhythm. It can be used to help link different scenes by having music that can be associated with a certain character, reminding the audience of certain ideas/motifs they associate with the character.

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.