28/11 experimenting

So over the weekend, I booked out a hydrophone with a contact adaptor, marrantz and audio technica shotgun microphone to start experimenting with sounds. I captured some good sounds that I am really impressed with, experimenting led me to putting the hydrophone in the sink, connecting to different surfaces and scratching, rubbing, hitting different surfaces.

The interesting thing about the hydrophone is that the sounds reverberate very well and differently for each surface. Different sounds are achieved depending on the surface area and the distance between the microphone. I am hoping to cycle and record to see what kind of interesting sounds that would make.

26/11 & 27/11 Research

26/11
I watched some Vimeo films to analyse the aspects and uses of sounds from various productions. I chose to use Vimeo as a lot more independent and short productions can be sourced from here:
- Sammy the explorer https://vimeo.com/112653472
The music used in the film makes the happy as it has really upbeat instruments. I especially liked the sounds used when the explorer kit is seen in the film.
- Ferguson Speaks: A communique from Ferguson https://vimeo.com/111938224
The sound of the chimes are quite eerie and provide something that is quite unexpected. I like the use of silence as it exaggerated.
- Playground https://vimeo.com/112483572
The piano keys used in this piece express the sadness of the film. I liked how the jazz music make this production uplifting and how the sound is used to bring focus to specific objects that are visible
- Manhunt https://vimeo.com/110455536
I've noticed pianos are used between this and the previous production to express sadness. I found it interesting that peaking is used to provide the eerie essence of the film.

27/11
I watched an episode of Game of Thrones, which was from season 3, episode 3. There was a scene where the castle is shown, however the sound is like the sound from a courtyard. I found this interesting, because the castle wouldn't sound anything like that in actual reality.

25/11 Recording - Short Film Sound Design Experience

Today I recorded sounds for the drama film I am working on. The majority of sounds recorded were in sync sound as this is what the director has requested specifically. I had a meeting with the director that was cut short due to the lack of time of availability. I needed a lot of direction with sound, however I think more attention is being paid to how the film will look and not how it will sound.

The day has gone splendid. I have managed to record all the sounds that I required from set and got on really well with the talents. I backed up the recordings straight away, as I noticed Tom's zoom recorder was very faulty during recordings. There were times it would record and times it wouldn't.

That being said, I do believe it is unfair that we paid for one of the talents, I think with an alternative method of scouting, it would of been possible to find a father who was prepared to be in our production for free. Maybe the organisation of our project would of caused less appeal, however once telling a talent our amazing idea, I am sure we would of been able to seal the deal for free.

In terms of direction, speaking with the director prior to this. She has outlined that she would only like SYNC sound to be in the final piece, which I solemnly object too, however it is the director who makes the final call in these creative decisions and I am sure she has an idea to why she would like it to be so.

The project is moving forward and that is a great sign.

It would be great to meet up with the director to discuss some more ideas, but as she had said, she is quite busy and will get back to me.

This in relation to my 5 - 10 drama film, however the sound experience is relevant.

25/11 Animation inspiration

One thing I have noticed between film and animation is that animations lend themselves more freedom for sounds. With films, expectations are more distinct as the audience can relate more to the interactions between objects, however with animations. The possibilities are limitless, for example: from this animation titled Kiseijuu: Sei No Kakuritsu, the sounds used every time the character "Migi" morphs are really interesting. Another example is Detective Conan the sound used for Conan skateboarding sounds nothing like a realistic skateboard, however it is acceptable, because of its medium.

Links:
http://www.animeseason.com/kiseijuu-sei-no-kakuritsu-episode-5/
http://www.animeultima.tv/detective-conan-episode-758-english-subbed-video-mirror-851085-MP4Upload/