Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 6 x 1 Hour Seminars |
| Lecture | 6 x 1 Hour Lectures |
| Workshop | 6 x 1 Hour Workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Written presentation and a portfolio of material on how to consider the sound requirements for a particular script and preparation of a workflow and sound design plan. (1,500 words) | 60% |
| Semester Exam | 7 Hours Practical assessment of Students knowledge of the equipment and techniques. | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Re-submission of written presentation and a portfolio of material on how to consider the sound requirements for a particular script and preparation of a workflow and sound design plan. (1,500 words) | 60% |
| Supplementary Exam | 7 Hours Practical assessment of Students knowledge of the equipment and techniques. | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key processes in sound.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how choices in sound effect the visual expressivity and clarity of storytelling in images.
3. Demonstrate dexterity and technical understanding in the use of production sound recording equipment.
4. To develop an understanding of content, form and critical theory and an appreciation of how this relates to the aesthetic of the finished production.
5. To understand the need to work in a professional manner and to apply this to all aspects of the production process.
Brief description
Sound for Film is an aural experience constructed to support the story of a narrative film. Sound may tell the story directly, or it may be used indirectly to enhance the story. Sound can change with regard to the storytelling from scene to scene and moment to moment. A straight narrative picture will, more than likely, have dialogue accompanying it throughout, whereas a picture montage will often be accompanied by music, or at least manipulated sound effects. In other words, sound can sometimes lead the picture and other times compliment the picture as the filmmaker varies the method of storytelling. Students will learn the background principles of use for dealing with sound accompanying the picture and, with examples, understand the principles of how to put these into practice.
Content
Lectures: 10 x 1 hours
Seminars: 10 x 1 hours
Practicals: 3 x 2 hour workshops
Week 1:
1 Hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar
Introduction to sound :
We will look at the role of sound for film defined and the relationship of sound to picture. The technical versus the aesthetics and the dimensions of a soundtrack
Week 2:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar
Objective Sound:
We will look at the properties of physical sound as well as the influences on sound propagation and the effects of interior and exterior acoustics.
Week 3:
1 hour lecture, follow up 1 hour seminar and workshop:
Psychoacoustics:
We will explore the difference between hearing and listening, spacial and speech perception
Week 4:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar:
Audio Fundamentals:
We will define audio, what are the difference between tracks and channels, levels of sound and interconnections and the difference between Digital and Analogue.
Week 5:
1 hour lecture, follow up seminar and workshop:
Microphones and Techniques for Their Use:
We will look at various types of microphones, the types of design, types by diversity, specification and technique.
Week 6:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up Seminar
Recording:
We will look at the difference between analogue and digital recording and distinguish features among formats and media as well as recording techniques for film sound recording.
Week 7:
1 hour lecture, follow up seminar and workshop
Synchronisation:
We will study the original methods of synchronization and it’s evolution, the slating protocols and time code, word clock, formats, software and hardware.
Week 8:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar
Transfer and deliveries:
Understanding workflows and the delivery chain including the requirements for editorial and sound post production.
Week 9:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar:
Understanding Editing Principals:
How to record and edit dialogue, and work with sound effects, music and playback as well as understanding sound design.
Week 10:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour follow up seminar
Mixing Principals:
We will cover the processes of mixing principals and the layers and stages of a soundscape.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | Written communication as well as the process of communicating a concept through a particular medium is directly assessed. Oral communication skills are developed through exercises, seminars and feedback on creative concepts for sound. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module which will help students to improve their own learning and performance. |
| Information Technology | As part of the module Students will required to use industry standard software involved in camera and sound production work. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The skills gained from this module will enhance the employability of film students. |
| Problem solving | Sound recording on location is a continuous process of problem solving and compromise. Students will be tested on this individually and as part of a team. |
| Research skills | Students will be expected to research the variety of sound skills used to resolve issues that arise in real life situations and will be assessed on their ability to evaluate and effectively use their knowledge to apply these skills to the issues that arise. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Production Sound recording skills will be developed throughout the module. |
| Team work | Interaction of the sound components of the module will require students to work effectively as a team to deliver media content by specific deadlines. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5