Film Studies Blog Post 13 : Final Sound

Final Sound

To achieve and create the grounded feel and atmosphere for my film, using a variety of all foley, diegetic and non-digetic sound effects will help to further the viewing experience. As for the main components and sound effects I plan to use, dialogue with this being one of the main diegetic sounds for my film. With it often being used in scenes between character conversations as well as footsteps and the surrounding environment. With other aspects such as the wind, weather, rustling of trees possibly affecting the quality, look of the footage. This is a common problem for young filmmakers, however to solve this, recording dialogue and sound effects after filmiming will create clearer, more precise sound quality. With this being easily then edited and added over the top.

As for other sound effects within my film, I plan to subtly include foley sounds in the form of light footsteps and background chatter. With the screenshots of my script and storyboards below showing further details of how the sound will both be created, included and suit certain scenes and settings. With it being important the sounds such as dialogue and music match the rhythm, tempo and style of the film. Whilst incorporating darker toned sound effects may further create the darkening mood of certain scenes to further represent and portray, protagonists thoughts, feeling and emotions. 

As seen from the images of my script here, this is just one example of many scenes, which will need to added inclusion of sound effects. Highlighted in yellow are the examples, for instance for the wide establishing shot to further immerse and familiarise audiences, i plan to simply use  foley sound effects of possible trees rustling, wildlife or cars. With other scenes such as the montage scene highlighted below, will require me to further include sound effects for similar effect. I plan to emphasise the noises made by simply pouring orange juice into a cup and toast popping out of  a toaster. To help further archive and create the emphasis, fasted pace tone and rhythm. Whilst another example of diegetic sound is the song "I want to break free". With this song, I feel having and suiting the film well. As it can easily related back to the main protagonists Ollie. 

As for other forms of sound that i've thought of using its the subtle use of non-diegetic notes. To empathise certain scenes and actions. This can help to stress the importance of a certain, whilst also matching and further heightening the dark, mysterious atmosphere i want to achieve. This is particularly interesting for the scene and script screenshotted on the right. With this scene in particular involving an Omniscient narrative viewpoint, with the audience being exposed to information that the characters isn't. As this is shown and displayed through the shot of the calendar, as spectators are soon made aware that the day hasn't changed, with Ollie none the wiser. Therefore i feel the use of non-diegetic sound will help to drive the narrative and the darker toned, mysterious feel that i want try and emulate.

Due to the fact that my Short Film has to be between 4-5 MInutes long, understanding the pace and rhythm of my scenes is vitally important. As I'm keen to have time to explain the narrative, atmosphere and emotions in key scenes, whilst also building a quickened pace rhythm to match the setting, scenario and time of day. This can shown in two separate scenes at both the start and end of my film.

The two scripts, screenshotted above are two scenes that will have different moods, rhythms and styles. To help create and match the vibrant, happy mood in the morning scene, using quick, snappy shots and transitions will help create the fast rhythm and tempo. With this scene not involving any key dialogue, as it mainly acting as an introduction to the audience to help familiarise them with the protagonist and settings around them. Whereas to create the eerie, silent, awkward tone in the final scene, using a combination of minimal sound and still shots will help to concentrate and focus the audience. With them intrigued and gradually getting a firm understanding of the characters thoughts, feeling and emotions of stress, shock and disbelief. With this scene, being all about the pacing and rhythm to strengthen and add weight and meaning to what the two protagonists are saying. 

To further show the planning process, of considering the best and most suitable sound for my film, i used my storyboards to detail the dialogue and possible sound effects etc.

As for this sequence, here the use and inclusion of house appliances sound effects (toaster, cutlery, glass) will help to match the fast paced rhythm and tempo. With it further being easy relatable to audiences through the normal morning rush and routine people experience in there day-to-day life. With the sound effects being diegetic, with further foley sounds possible being created to add and heighten to emphasis and impact of the sequence.

Another scene in which i plan to foley sound effects, is the walking scene which involves and acts as an initial first introduction two are two main protagonists Ollie and Will. The scene will be filmed outside, with the wide, establishing shot seen on the storyboard below showing the size and scale of the setting and surrounding environment. Depending on the weather, time of day etc, this could affect the quality of the scene, dialogue and sound. With this being a common problem for student made projects. For the scene, to further help suit and match the surrounding environment I plan to use Foley sound which will pre-recorded and then add/edited in later on. These sounds will mainly be footsteps, wildlife, cars and trees rustling, with dialogue maybe also being included if the sound quality is poor. As it might be made difficult to understand what the characters are saying.