MMS 217 - Sound for Film and Video II

1. Discuss what is a Sound Engineer (SE)
   1. Discuss various types of sound engineers
   2. Explain the necessary skill sets required to be a SE
   3. List the types of jobs available to SE’s
2. Examine solving audio problems on the set
   1. Demonstrate the proper process of fixing audio problems
   2. Demonstrate work arounds and alternate solutions
   3. Explain the common mistakes to avoid when recording audio
   4. Demonstrate the proper technique for mixing sound on set
3. Demonstrate critical listening and developing a good “ear” for sound
   1. Discuss and identify best techniques used by other professionals
   2. Demonstrate an understanding of volume, equalization, frequencies and audio effects
   3. Demonstrate how to hear unwanted background noises, artefacts and audio issues
   4. Discuss when to address audio issues and when to let them pass
   5. Discuss how to communicate audio problems to the Director, Producer and other crew members in a professional manner
4. Evaluate acoustics in sound recording
   1. Discuss the terminology of acoustics, like reverberation, absorption, reflection and other terminology
   2. Analyze how acoustics impact the recording process positively or negatively
   3. Determine the acoustics of a set or recording studio
   4. Correct the acoustics of a set or recording studio
   5. Discuss how to setup a recording studio in one’s home using proper acoustics
5. Analyze setting up audio for different types of recording
   1. Select the correct type of microphones for dialogue, singing, instruments, natural sound
   2. Demonstrate dealing with wind, background noise or other audio issues
   3. Show proper microphone placement in different recording situations on set and in the recording studio on people, instruments, meetings, weddings and outdoors
   4. Demonstrate proper use of cables, mixers, filters, windsocks, sound isolation, and other audio tools.
6. Characterize working with Clients, Directors, Producers, Performers and other sound personnel
   1. Demonstrate proper communication techniques when talking to different crew members during production
   2. Demonstrate conflict resolution on a shoot or during a recording session
   3. Practice proper communication techniques when talking to a Director when developing a sound design for a project
   4. Demonstrate negotiating rates, contracts and services with Producers and clients
   5. Discuss different employment situations as a Freelancer, employee or company
7. Appraise the process of editing sound files using Pro Tools & Audition
   1. Demonstrate the Pro Tools interface and how to customize it
   2. Create a click track
   3. Import files
   4. Record sound using microphones and a MIDI device
   5. Edit and mix sound files
   6. Correct and repair damaged audio
   7. Practice sound equalization, compression, dynamic range, pitch, and fader controls
   8. Use effects to modify, fix and improve sound files
   9. Analyze how to detect beat for synchronizing audio tracks
   10. Create mono, stereo and 5.1 surround sound tracks
   11. Set up a final mix with dialogue, sound effects and music and generate a final mixdown to generate a master mix in different formats for export
   12. Export files for use by other programs
8. Evaluate the Process of Advanced Sound Design for Video, Music and Live Events and News
   1. Review the need for Sound Design in different situations
   2. Analyze sound design used in movies, television and commercials
   3. Explain the elements needed for a good sound design
   4. Explain setting a mood using sound design
   5. Demonstrate how to develop a sound design overview
   6. Review the edited video with the director/producer for notes - Spotting Session
   7. Analyze scripts and storyboards in order to identify opportunities for relevant voicing (narration and characters), sound effects, Foley and music
   8. Demonstrate how to use multi-track editing to create a sound design for video and music projects
9. Create sound effects using Foley techniques and processes
   1. Discuss how to set up a Foley studio
   2. Demonstrate how to set up microphones for a Foley studio
   3. Demonstrate using different every day elements to create the desired sound
   4. Demonstrate how to record sounds to the video in a “live” session
   5. Demonstrate how to combine and modify different sounds to create new sounds
10. Evaluate the ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) processes
    1. Explain what ADR is and how it’s used in film and video
    2. Properly setup for an ADR session using audio and video looping
    3. Record ADR with an actor
    4. Speed up or slowing down the audio to “fit” in the available space on the timeline
    5. Modify the ADR recording by adding back ambient sound, reverb and other effects to match the original audio from the production
11. Demonstrate setting up a recording studio for a “live” music recording
    1. Setup multiple microphones for different purposes - voice and instruments
    2. Setup the mixing board to record the session
    3. Record a musical vocal, instrumental or mixed session on multiple tracks
    4. Set and adjust audio levels, EQ, balancing during the recording
    5. Play back tracks and communicate with musicians and singers
    6. Mix the recorded session for optimum sound quality
    7. Export the mixed session for distribution