50178 Soundtrack

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:

1. the ability to take up industrial and artisan roles in the media arts and production industries of film, television, broadcasting at an assistant level
2. specialist audio production skills to an intermediate creative and technical level
3. audio production skills, including studio recording and microphone techniques
4. skills of self reliance and problem solving to a professional level
5. 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

Assessment item 2: Film sound design project

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.