You are probably aware, but it needs to be said: there's a lot that goes into sound design for a film or video project. We approach sound design in three separate stages:

1. What is unique about the story that can be conveyed in the sound design? Whether it's an advertisement, a film, a game or a theater presentation, there is almost always a unique voicing to convey the message of a project. Sometimes that's reflected in the soundscape. Consider the difference between an advertisement for a sports car and a sound bed for a horror film. Both might use the same type of tools, but utilize them differently for a particular effect. What is the audience expecting to hear, and is there a place to surprise them with sound? In the ad for the sports car, the audience may expect roaring engines and squealing tires. The horror film might have strange noises and ambient effects. Now, consider the element of surprise to reverse and interchange the project's soundscapes. The audience may not expect a quiet and spooky ambient soundtrack for the sports car. The horror film may be thrown by the loudness of a Ford Mustang being pushed to its max. It really depends on how the story should unfold.
2. What types of sounds can be created or used to simulate the sound mission? Sometimes the slowed-down sound of a cracking egg can sound like a tree cracking in a forest. The question is not always is the sound realistic, but rather, is it believable. Will the listener hear it and understand the messaging? We create and use sounds from a variety of sources. Sometimes we make them ourselves, but often we use library sounds and process them to make them fit perfectly. Our mission is not to reinvent the wheel of the sound of a 9mm handgun. Our mission is to bring the project's story to life through interesting transparent sound design that helps move the message.
3. Who is going to hear it, and where? Possibly the most important question of all. Will this be in a festival in a theater, or mostly experienced on an iphone? Will it most likely be both? One of the most important challenges of sound design is making it sound great on any device anywhere. To make it believable across any device is half the battle of a seasoned sound designer.

Our sound design process is simple and straightforward: a spotting session with the client starts the sound development process. From there, a sound map is formulated. Sounds that need to be created - such as dialog, ADR, particular camera action and other specific sounds caught on camera are scheduled for recording. A Foley log is created for sounds to be created in studio. Lastly, a list of library sounds is established so that researching them can be efficiently realized.

The rest of the project is semi-technical: sounds are laid in and balanced. There's a mixing process involves effects, compression, tape saturation, EQ and limiting. Finally, a master is created and output to the specifications indicated by the editor or producer.

There is also a dolby digital 5.1 surround sound process if the film is to be entered into festivals or a film circuit.

Contact us to learn how our sound design process can be utilized to optimize your project's story and message.