50178 Soundtrack

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Media Arts and Production
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50153 Audio Production OR 57094 Film and Video 1 OR 57096 Introducing Audio Production OR 57095 Film and Video 2

Handbook description

This subject focuses on the design and composition of sound for film and video. A strong emphasis is placed on tracklaying and mixing dialogue, effects and atmospheres for synchronous image. As a project, students undertake a collaborative work with a fellow student to develop a soundtrack from design to final mix. Students are encouraged to work on the soundtrack of films and videos projects produced in other subjects of the Media Arts and Production degree.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject students are expected to have developed:

the ability to take up industrial and artisan roles in the media arts and production industries of film, television, broadcasting at an assistant level
specialist audio production skills to an intermediate creative and technical level
audio production skills, including studio recording and microphone techniques
skills of self reliance and problem solving to a professional level
skills in collaboration, communication and teamwork necessary for the collaborative nature of media production work in the audio/sound area.

Contribution to graduate profile

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

have the ability to work as professionals using a combination of technical, critical and creative skills
have a conceptual and practical production experience of different forms, approaches, styles and genres in their particular media specialisation
develop skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork necessary for the collaborative nature of media production work
be adaptable, flexible and innovative as they cope with and contribute to continuous change within existing professional industries
be self-reliant as well as being able to collaborate on media arts projects throughout all stages of conception, project development, production, postproduction and presentation
be prepared for advanced professional skill development or further postgraduate level study
have the ability to engage in constructive criticism and analysis of media production work.

Teaching and learning strategies

Lectures and workshops
Practical workshops and activities held in class
Working in production teams: researching, organising, managing and producing soundtracks
Analysis of soundtracks.

Content

Learn studio recording and microphone techniques
Work and liaise with other sound crew members
Design and record sound, including dialogue, effects, atmospheres and music
Prepare, plan, schedule, document, for film soundtrack
Assess soundtracks and activities.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Sound design

Objectives	a, b, c, d, e
Value	35%
Due	Week 8
Task	Complete sound design for a set excerpt with particular focus on dialogue and location sound. Present in class in Week 6 with a one page rationale for your choices.
Assessment criteria	Effectiveness of the sound design, including the combination of different sound elements Technical proficiency and craft skill Professional practice: organisation, problem-solving skills Evidence of critical process: appropriateness of choices, aesthetics, working creatively within technical boundaries. Note: Elements of exercises are due each week to ensure a smooth workflow over the semester. If students miss a class, it will be checked the following week. No extensions will be given for these exercises.

Assessment item 2: Film sound design project

Objectives	a, b, c, d, e
Value	65%
Due	Week 14
Task	Students choose a (minimum) three-minute excerpt from the films provided or a film of their choice (if they have the necessary location tapes etc.) and conceptualise and complete the sound design for it. If doing a film of their own choice, they must have a locked off picture by Week 5 - no exceptions. Present in class in Week 13 with a two page report on the sound design rationale, problems encountered and solutions applied.
Assessment criteria	Effectiveness of the sound design, including the combination of different sound elements Technical proficiency and craft skill Professional practice: organisation, communication, problem-solving skills, team work Evidence of critical process: appropriateness of choices, aesthetics, working creatively within technical boundaries. Note: Elements of group exercises are due each week to ensure a smooth workflow over the semester. If students miss a class, it will be checked the following week. No extensions will be given for group exercises.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Indicative references

Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools, Digidesign (2006) Pro Tools 101: Introduction to Pro Tools (Required Text – Available from Co-Op Bookshop)

Alten, S. (1981). Audio In Media. Belmont CA: Wadsworth.

Huber, D.M. (2001). Modern Recording Techniques (5th Edition). London: Butterworth-Heinenann.

Chion, M. (1994). Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen. New York: Columbia University Press.

Chion, M. (1994). The Voice in Cinema. New York: Columbia University Press.

Weis, E. & Belton, J. (Eds). (1985). Film Sound: Theory & Practice. New York: Columbia University Press.

Lastra, J. (2000). Sound Technology and the America Cinema. New York: Columbia University Press.