Sound Design For Film And Television: Even Silent Movies Can’t Do Without It
No film work is complete without the use of sound effects. They can be different: songs, melodies, noises, animal cries, sounds of nature, etc. It is the sounds that create that unique sensation from the video, which makes viewers to evaluate it as exciting, calm, unforgettable, sad. The list is endless. Sure, the production and actors role are the basis of the story the director wants to convey, but all of it won’t work without the appropriate sound effects. So, the importance of sound design in film cannot be understated. And this is where sound engineers and sound design come into play.
What is sound design in film and television?
Sound design for film and television is a collection of sound elements that set the mood for a visual presentation, be it a movie or TV show. The concepts of sound logo and sound design should not be confused. The first one is the trademark of the brands, while the second one defines the specifics of the genre: action, romance, horror films, kids show and much more. Sure, some sound design pieces can be a sound logo, but definitions, as well as a goal of creation and use are different.
Importance of sound design in film
Each type of sound has a specific impact on the viewers’ emotions and the impression they get from watching. This suggests that the role of sound in films and television is enormous. It does not end with increasing the views of a particular show or movie and bringing profit to their creators.
Think about how you felt better after watching a good comedy when you were discouraged. Laughter, funny sounds in ridiculous situations, or cheerful romantic blues have surely helped you forget about sadness and smile. Same thing was happened when you found the answer to a burning question while watching a philosophical or psychological film.
Sound design for films is a powerful tool for communicating ideas, opinions, messages, a lever that is responsible for how your work will change the mood, way of thinking and the life of people.
The same goes for television. Without an engaging sound design, TV ads were unlikely to be as effective in competing with online ads. Well-chosen melodies, sound effects and songs help to realize even the most daring marketing strategies.
Best examples of sound design in film
So that you can clearly see what is the role of the sound design in film, we will take a look at some examples. But before we’ll start, you should to understand:
- what defines a good sound design in film,
- what is the most important element in films sound design,
- which techniques help to create great sound design in film industry.
The effectiveness and success of the movie or TV show/TV ads are defined by the level of project’s goal achievement. If you achieved the planned KPIs (sales, views, investments, subscribers, etc.), the goal of the project has been achieved as well. When evaluating the work, it is important to consider that sound design, like other elements (script, actors, visual effects, etc.) should not be considered separately. The success of the project is determined by the harmony of all components.
The main indicator of the quality of sound design in films is the perfect match with the visual image we see on the screen. These include:
- sound volume,
- identity to the original voice acting and translation (if any),
- synchronicity with the action in the frame.
Best sound design in film cannot be created without the right technologies and techniques. The most common of them and must-have for every designer are:
- Microphones
- The Score
- Foley
- Ambient Noise
- Mixes
Now let’s see at the most successful examples of sound design in action.
Best examples of sound design in film associated with Hollywood. Quentin Tarantino’s action movies or Martin Brest’s romance scenes make unforgettable impressions mostly due to sounds.
For example, the scene of the fight between the heroes of Brad Pitt and Mike Mo, who played Bruce Lee himself, made a splash. Another one is the fireworks in the final scene of Meet Joe Black, where Brad Pitt was also the main character. (By the way, the latter did not use special effects, which made the work of a sound engineer even more responsible and valuable).
Don’t forget that films with great sound design are not always loud. Sometimes the sounds of silence have a stronger impact on viewers, even more so if it fits the context.
How to get started on sound design for your films?
Great examples of sound design in film also can be a guide and workshop for you if you’re a sound designer and try to learn industry processes from scratch.
If you’re a producer or filmmaker, and you want to turn your work into a bestseller, choose experienced sound designers and agencies. Explore TV shows and films with good sound design to understand which genre fits most to your niche and style.
Designing sounds, TV programs’ and brands’ audio logo for affordable price is possible with Paul Dubrovsky. Don’t hesitate to contact and enjoy your sound.
