In this episode
we'll look at sound design.
This week I want to nitpick a show
that's heavy in sound design.
I will try and point out to you
what's happening where
and the method behind the design.
The example I will use
is a show that I worked on
called Canimals
and this episode is called Wild Can.
I'll go through the Foley aspect
to sound design in another episode
but in this episode
let's look at sound design
with sound effects.
First what are they?
Well there are companies out there
that just build sound effects libraries
and some are better than others.
They make every noise
you could imagine.
Though I'm sure
that there are some incredible
creations floating around
in your cerebral workspace right now.
You can buy libraries
outright on a drive
from each of these companies
or you can use a service
that acts as a broker
for many libraries
and it allows you to cherry pick
just what you need
and pay as you go.
I was asked to design
the voices for each character
in the animation,
so I used sample libraries
and other sources
in developing the personalities
of each character.
Just think about
how many emotions
there are in every reaction
throughout the duration
of any show?
I had to evoke happiness,
sadness, confusion,
anger and any other emotion
you can think of
without using any distinctive
language
as it was being
distributed internationally.
Look at this snippet.
Firstly listen to Oz
the cat in the pink can.
Her first reaction
was in fact
an actor that we recorded.
The actor gave us a range
of reactions that we could use,
however it couldn't cover everything
that was happening on the screen.
I had to edit between the recorded reactions
and the actual noises of real animals
that I got from sample libraries
or recorded elsewhere.
The great thing
about sample libraries
is that they're easily accessible.
Generally you can find
something to use for
what you're trying to edit,
though generally
this can take
from the creativity
of your design.
I'd always think of sample libraries
as a foundation
for the real design
above the ground.
Let's look at what happens with Oz
and her friends.
Try to decipher
how many reactions there are
and can you hear how many samples
were used in this very, very short time?
Now listen to the characters
and think about what you are hearing.
What sounds are the animals
and what sounds are the actor?
With all their big adventures
we have a lot of reactions
to cover. We've got Bengal tigers,
bears, lots of dogs,
me!
Lots of cats, lions, crocodiles
and of course the actor.
Sound design is all about you
and your vision for the project.
I want you
to make you aware
of what you're listening to
in this super little show
and I'd encourage you
to pick your way through this
or any other show.
Try and decipher what the designer
intended for the sound design.
If you can, get a short video
from somewhere
and design it,
the way you see it.
Remember to keep the personality
of each character the same.
Try to address each emotion
with that personality in mind.
This exercise will really test you.
If you're not happy
with the way things are going
with your vision
then try another character
though do come back
to the one you're having difficulty with.
It will be easier the second time around,
I promise.
I'm Keith Alexander
and you've been watching AdoramaTV,
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