Audio Production for Visual Content
Your story is solid, the shot list is set, the locations have been secured, the actors are ready, but what about the sound? No matter how compelling your story is, and how perfect your shots are, if the sound is not good, people will not watch.
What a great turn out for our Pro Camp about sound production.
Director Rich Varville,Sound Engineer James Raub, and Sound Mixer Alexandra Parral walked through the planning, setup, and recording of a scene.
They covered a wide range of topics, from planning and pre-production, to recording location sound, inside and outside, to adding and polishing the sound, and working with a composer for your soundtrack.
Studio West was a wonderful host, as always, for this Pro Camp.
In the afternoon, Rich discussed post production: adding the sound to the film, sweetening it, and getting it just right, focusing on techniques, not tools.
Composer Keith Methven provided lessons on working with a composer to get the right music for your soundtrack.
Pro Camps Stream Recordings
Part 1 - Equipment and recording,
Part 2 - News, working with a composer, post-production
The Mouse
David Raines and Christine Gatlin performed The Mouse, a scene that Christine wrote for our demo. We learned mic'ing and booming techniques, as well as tips for recording foley and environmental sounds.
Watch it here.
Handouts
Shotgun mics / Recorders / Wireless Systems / Lavs
Working with a Composer
News You Can Use
SDMP News 1019
Agenda
PRE PRODUCTION
- Types and application of different microphones
- Types of recording devices: professional and consumer
- Types of wireless systems and accessories
- Setting up your audio bag and rig; rigging and handling a boom
- Equipment maintenance
PRODUCTION
- Understanding gain structure and workflow
- Using meta data and labeling tracks
- Boom placement and techniques
- Lav techniques and troubleshooting; dealing with clothes rustling and unwanted sounds; mic'ing etiquette
- Hopping audio signal to camera; scratch audio on camera; using time code
- Capturing on set foley sounds and room tone; sound treatment of various rooms
- Prepping for a shoot and tagging the script
- We will take you through step by step as we record a live scene with actors in interior and exterior environments
POST PRODUCTION
- Importing and syncing audio
- Labeling and setting up tracks in NLE
- Cleaning up noisy audio; RX7; using signal processors
- Sound design and using sound fx
- Working with a composer
- Final tips and tricks
Click here to see the event flyer.
Our Presenters
Rich Varville is an accomplished San Diego based filmmaker and recording artist that gained notoriety from his unique style of story-based, cinematic, music films. He also produces narrative, industrial, and documentary films through his company RSVP FILMS. (www.rsvp-films.com)
James Raub is a Sound Engineer for RSVP Films. James began doing sound in 1985 as a front of house mixer for local bands. In 1990, James began working for a sound company that provided equipment and engineers for touring bands. In 2011, James transitioned over to film work and joined RSVP Films as the location sound recordist. James is also an independent contractor.
Keith Methven is a Berklee College Of Music-trained composer who has been producing music for many years. Keithhas the breadth to work in many styles, including rock, classical, jazz, R&B, country, and dance. (www.keithmethvenmusic.com)
Alexandra Parral is a sound mixer who has dedicated her career to meaningful independent films, documentaries, and interviews. Alexandra was born in San Diego, raised in Tecate, Mexico, and now lives in Los Angeles. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in Television, FIlm and New Media Production from San Diego State University. Some of her recent jobs include interviews with Olympic medalists Meb Keflezighi, Willie Banks, NBA star James Worthy and Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk..
David Raines is an accomplished, screenwriter, actor, and director whose films have screened at Filmapalooza in Paris, Shakespeare Shorts in England, Cardiff Mini Film Festival in Wales, Dragon-Con in Atlanta, and the Shawna Shey Memorial Film Festival.
Christine Gatlin is a producer and writer for Kanari Storm Films, as well as an actor, singer, and voice actor. She co-wrote the short film βOne Plus One Night Stand,β in partnership with fellow SD Media Pros Board members David Raines and Marianne Bates.