My Sound Story Journey!

Sound Story

Pre Production: Developing Ideas 

    Before recording our sounds, my partner and myself discussed the direction we wanted to follow with our sound scape. After reviewing the instructions and guidelines for the project we came to the conclusion of creating a scene reflecting a suspenseful story. The genre of the scene falls under horror as it describes a person being chased resulting in their death, a scene depicted in most horror films. Since this is a familiar subject to all who are familiar with horror films, the sounds weren't as complicated to replicate and portray to the audience. 

Gathering the Sounds: Foley Stage

    The following video incorporates four clips showing a glimpse of how we created the sounds in our final sound scape video. Some of the sounds are not shown in the video as I used other means of sounds such as a online sound effect clips or the original sounds I created was used from normal means such as opening and closing of doors. While the foley stage shown below uses random objects like blankets, pillows, and water to display sounds of motion and further develop the story.

 

Post Production: Editing Process

    Post production involved me editing and using an editing software for the first time. Since this was my first ever experience working with editing tools, I had to learn how to cut, snip, and layer audio. Figuring out the gadgets and adventuring through the vast world of editing was a very enjoyable experience for me. Recently, I've been more interested in the world of film and media studies, influencing my excitement for this class. 

    The specific process of editing this project was especially engaging but also could be tedious at times. During this assignment I've found that when it comes to editing, sounds and mixtures of effects need to be precisely layered to convey a desired story. Timing and planning is key when dealing with the series of transitions from audio to audio. Being as this is my first project dealing with the compounds of editing and audio layering, there were a few errors and incorrect sound placements that result in rough transitioning of sound. But that's ok, because now I'm able to apply my developing skills to future assignments dealing with film in this class. 

Description of Final Sound Scape

    The process of developing this sound story consisted of brainstorming and creative thinking with my partner. Building a proper and cohesive video that engages with the audience and adheres to the desired scene we were reaching for, was the most crucial goal for the overall project. The final sound story replicates its intended purpose of a suspenseful murder scene. The sound scape opens up with someone turning off the ignition of their car, making prominent noises such as a shift in gears, engine responding to the instruction of turning off, the door slams shut, and keys jingle in the background to enhance the dimensional aspect of the audio. My partner and myself further delved into the world of foley and how to form sounds with using ordinary or random objects. As observed in the next clip, the car sounds are followed by calm footsteps that slowly increase to a fast, urgent pace. These sounds were capture in my school's courtyard. The quick steps simulate the notion that someone is chasing the main character of our video, introducing a new concept that reflects a thrilling feel to the audience. Throughout the video, sounds of a heartbeat are overlapped portraying the emotion and tension rthe character is experiencing, as the character notices someone is following them the heartbeat accelerates, noting the dangerousness of the situation.

    Soon, a door is forced open and closes shut immediately, a locking sound is heard swiftly after and the heartbeat slows to a steady pace. The viewer should have been able to pick up on the sudden relief the character feels being "safe" inside the confines of the home. Next, we hear the sinking of a couch chair, signifying that someone has sat down and made themselves comfortable. The T.V. is turned on and the voices of actors are heard slightly in the background. At this time the character is comfortable and feels secure; unknowingly the character does not hear the back door slide open. Presenting the determined stalker with an advantage over the seemingly innocent character awaiting danger. A loud gasp is heard to reveal the character finally noticing the uninvited guest who has made a way into the home when she hears the sharp drawing of a knife, followed by an intense and fleshy stab. A distinct thud is heard shortly after the previous events, imitating a body drop. With the aid of this sound and an overlaying addition of a slowing heartbeat depicts the character's life coming to an end. Wrapping up the sound scape, a soft drip is heard faintly, replicating blood falling from a deceased body. The slowing heartbeat os the final should played in the video, echoing as a prominent notion of the end of life until there is no sound at all.