Sam Harrison - Sound Padlet by

26/2/24 - Pre Production

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:49:49 UTC

This was the first production meeting that we had which meant that we were first introduced to the Script as well as other peoples roles within the production. For Sound, I felt that I should breakdown the Script in terms of the different scene's as, even though it was still in production, analysing and developing a clear understanding for the script was crucial. As well, I took it upon myself to make sure that I knew who I was partnered with for Sound as we would need a good partnership to ensure that we were professional as well as efficient in getting our sound done during the production process. Following this, I managed to achieve a better understanding of the script through breaking it down. As well, I also annotated how the key elements required of sound is the Dialogue and Sound effects/Foley. I developed this understanding as the Script has a few shorter scenes and so the use of Foley/Sound effects would be key to bringing the scene alive through an audio point of view.

4/3/24 - Pre-Production

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:50:30 UTC

This was the second day of planning for the production meaning that there were clear developments from the following week. This meant that I was able to further plan the sound to ensure that we were fully prepared for production. Due to a further development of the Script, I was able to break it down further to ensure that we were fully prepared before filming. During this lesson, there was the casting call for the characters in the film so it was more individual work that was required of us and so I felt that being able to break the Script down fully into the key sections meant that I could fully understanding the demand that my role required. In terms of the image above, I found that this scene had quite a lot of emphasis on sound and so that meant that we could begin thinking about what equipment would be best suited to capturing that sound. The key elements within this scene are that there are three sets of dialogue within the piece and so through the understanding of this, we realised how we would need quite a few Lipel Microphones to ensure that we fully capture their dialogue at the same time. As well, Sound Effects will be key in ensuring the tension within the Interview scene as it also states about how a Tape Recorder is being switched on and off at the beginning and end of the scene.

11/3/24 - Pre-Production

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:52:44 UTC

This is the penultimate week of Pre-production where I felt we were coming to the end of preparing what was needed for Sound. We quickly realised that there is not a huge amount of preparation required for Sound but ensuring that we understood our role and what was required of us in terms of the Script was key. The Breakdown of the Script was further detailed as, from the image above, you can see how we also spoke to other members of the production team to see what Sound they were thinking for the Film. From Scene 1, we were able to analyse how dialogue and ambience was a key factor for the Sound in this, but also having spoke to the Editors, they mentioned about sourcing Music that could set the tone for both the scene and the film as a whole. On top of this, we also were able to learn about who was acting as each character which meant that we could further begin to visualise the role of Sound within each piece.

18/3/24 - Pre-Production

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:53:29 UTC

The final week of Pre-production meant that it was the last time we could fully discuss what was required for the preparation of sound. The main outcome from the day was that we wanted to make sure that the equipment was fully sorted so that during the Easter Break, we were able to be confident that we are able to capture the best possible sound. Having discussed Sound with the Director, we developed how we are going to be used double sound so that we have the comfort of at least one piece of Sound being Captured. This meant that we were going to use two Boom Microphones that could get close to the dialogue within each of the scenes. One of the Microphones would be connected to the Camera which benefitted the Editors because it provided an automatic synchronisation with the footage that was filmed. The other Boom Microphone would be recorded separately to ensure that we had two pieces of audio available for the Editors. Following a meeting with Tom Harrison, we were able to fully prepare the equipment that we were going to use for the production. We developed how we were going to be using the F8 Recorder to capture the separate audio as well as it provides several channels to also record other pieces of audio. The other audio device that we would capture the sound on was the Rode Wireless 2 Microphones that provide the closer option in capturing the audio. We have planned to use Lipel Microphones that we will hide within the Costume of the characters to try and provide a closer and more precise piece of audio for the dialogue in the Scene. The Lipel Microphones also meant that we had separate audio for the characters and so using the Sound Breakdown that we had previously done, we could see how and where we were going to use this equipment.

Tom Harrisom

11/3/24 - Pre-Production -Research)

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:55:40 UTC

Aside from the weekly meetings that we are having. I decided to take it upon myself to further learn about my role within the production team. I watched this YouTube video that detailed the importance of sound and some of the developments that he has made following his work on a production. Simon (2016) mentions how "the vast majority of Sound weren't recorded on set" which made me evaluate how that changes my role within the Production. I understood that in order to create a real precise level of professional sound, you should film it separately. This meant that in the Script where there were just scenes without dialogue, the filming of the movement separately would be the key factor to enhancing that scene.

18/3/24 - Pre-Production - (Research)

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 08:56:07 UTC

As someone who owns the previous version of the Rode Wireless Go Microphones, I felt that I should further research this piece of equipment to make sure that I could use them to the best of my ability. This sheet above really helped me to understand the difference that the Wireless Go 2 brings as the Dual Control means that we are easily able to separate the audio coming from the characters. Having developed an understanding of the scenes, we were able to see how the Rode Microphones were going to be used. An example of this would be with the first scene which sees two characters speaking and so we said how the Wireless Go would be key in making sure that both sets of Dialogue are captured. Having researched about this specialist piece of equipment, I was able to understand how they can work effectively for the production as they provide the function of changing the audio levels through the control box. This means that during the takes, I would be able to change the levels to ensure that we have a certain level of control of the audio that is beneficial for the Editors

Bibliography

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 19:49:20 UTC

DSLR Guide (2016, 23 February). Recording Sound for Filmmaking [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkoTR7E1qN8&t=68s

Winters. P. (2017). Sound Design for Low and No Budget Films

(1st ed.). Taylor and Francis

15/4/24 - Production Plan 1

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:13:32 UTC

This was the first day back after Easter and the main plan from the day as a whole was to block through the Script so that all the members of the Production team had a clear understanding in time for filming. We benefited from this as we were able to block through where was best to capture the Sound. This was due to being able to visualise where the shot was being filmed and the space available that can best capture the audio but also be hidden away from the Camera shot. We went from Scene 1-11 which gave me a better understanding of what was required for the scenes without dialogue. As you can see from my notes, I was highlighting the additional sounds that are required so that the Sound breakdown sheet could be updated. An example of where I was able to understand where we could film the sound better was where Grace is moving in the hallway which is a key scene in creating the suspense and tension in the film. So focussing on the Sound aspect, I was able to analyse how Footsteps would be key in this as well as the recording of ambience to ensure that the Camera shots have a clear audio to work from.

19/4/24 - Production - Day 2

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:16:36 UTC

This was the first big shoot day for the production and so it meant that there was a lot of preparation required to ensure that everything went smoothly. Jude and I were able to make sure that we were fully ready for what was required of us in terms of Sound. We knew that it was key to capturing the Sound in this one has it was heavy on the dialogue as well as being the first scene of the film. We used all three of the Sound equipment on offer to make sure that we had the best possible chance of capturing the audio. I took on the role of using the F8 Recorder which would control the Sound of one of the boom poles as well as the Wireless Go Microphones. Both of the characters were speaking in this scene and both of them had a Mid-Shot of them which meant that we had to be really careful with where we were putting the Lapel Microphone on them. Jude was over the other side of the room capturing the Sound from the Boom but connected to the Camera. This meant that the Editors had a clear sound that they could use that did not require them to synchronise it beforehand.

18/4/24 - Production - Day 1

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:17:06 UTC

This was the first day of filming the production and so I felt that we were fully prepared for what we were required to film. The first shoot was a small crew as there was not as many shots required to be filmed as well as not as much Sound required to be recorded. The shoot was outside and the obstacle that I faced was that we didn’t realise that we never booked out a Dead cat which would reduce the noise from the Wind. This was not a huge issue as there was not any dialogue needed for this so it meant that most of the noise can easily be recorded elsewhere or in another take. The main sounds from this was the Taxi moving, the car door shutting, Footsteps and Grace saying the line “Thank you”. For this shoot, we only used one of the boom poles as the sounds were not heavily emphasised for this shoot.

16/4/24 + 17/4/24 - Production Plan 2

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:20:25 UTC

For the following days, I was unwell which meant that I didn’t feel I was fit and healthy enough to attend classes. So in correlation to this, I decided to make a clear Sound Breakdown sheet that had both of the On screen Audio and the Post-Recorded audio that would enhance the film further. This also contributed to how the Assistant Directors were able to plan and development the daily schedules for the production as they were able to see if there was any additional sound that was required to have been filmed on the day. One of the main features that the Sound Breakdown sheet provided was the understanding of when we needed to record the ambience because there are several locations planned for this shooting meaning there will be a slight difference to the ambience within the scene. In addition, the Scene Breakdown sheet gave me a good idea of where the Sound effects would be key and so using this, I understood how the scenes from the house could both be recorded in the day as well as sourced and recorded following the filmed. These would be sounds such as Footsteps and character movements that could be done through the use of Foley. Patrick Winters (2017) referenced how Foley 'creates a more realistic soundscape' which I feel is key to ensuring that the film is more professional.

22/4/24 - Production - Day 3

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:26:10 UTC

This was a double scene day which meant that we had to cram quite a few shots in one short time space. This meant that from a Sound point of view, we were unable to record everything that we wanted to. However, one of the key aspects that Jude and I knew we had to capture was the ambience because this meant that the Camera shots would be fluent due to the correlation of sound. The Interview Room was key for this because there was a lot of Shot that were going to interchange and so in preparing and understanding that we needed ambience, we were able to ensure that this happened. Both of the scenes relied heavily on Sound due to a lot of dialogue in both. I have decided to take it upon myself to make sure that I take the Sound equipment home with me to make sure that it is fully charged. The Wireless Go Microphones were key for both of the scenes however we encountered several issues with recording the sound for this. We felt that if we still recorded the audio from that with the two Boom poles, we were giving the best possible chance of recording the Sound. As you can see from the image above, myself and Jude were separated apart in either side of the table which ensured that we captured both sides of the audio. We followed what we were doing with having one of the Boom Microphones connected to the Camera to make the Edit faster. On the other side, we decided to use a Tripod which meant that we could keep at a similar height to the characters without it being in shot. This meant that we could get clear audio for what the characters were saying. On the other hand, in the Hospital scene, we found it more challenging because the Boom Microphones were hitting the top of the ward frames which would clearly affect the quality of the Sound.

23/4/24 - Production - Day 5

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:28:11 UTC

As you can see from the image above, I have decided to charge the Sound Equipment each day to make sure that we are best equipped with the shoot for the following day. I was unable to charge everything all at once and so, as you can see, I decided to always have the F8 battery on charge with 2 of the Wireless Microphones on charge. The shoot for this day was quite minimal in terms of requiring Sound. We still recorded a lot of Sound but it was more of the Ambience and Sound effects side of it which may be better and more precise if recorded separately. We managed to get the ambience from the Prison Cells because we knew how it was a very narrow set which meant that the sound will echo and only travel in one direction. I was only needed for the first part of the recording where I was able to get the movement of the agents across the hall. In order to this, I was in one of the rooms on the side that linked to the hallway. I feel that this may not have gave us the best possible outcome in terms of Audio quality. My final contribution from the day was to make sure that I got the Radio Play from all of the other characters as well such as both of the Agents. As mentioned, this would help the Editors with any audio issues during the take which can be dubbed over with the Radio play that I have recorded. I ensured that we recorded this in a quiet room that did not provide any feedback.

24/4/24 - Production - Day 4

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:37:12 UTC

This day was a big day for Sound because it was filmed in a huge space with a large dialogue section. This meant that we knew that we would more than likely face quite a few issues in terms of interference. One of the first things that I did in the shoot was record the rooms ambience before everyone came. This meant that I had a deadly silent wild track which was key because it is such a large open space that I felt the ambience will be clearly obvious if done elsewhere. The same setup was used for the recording of the dialogue in this scene but one of the issues that we faced was that in certain parts of the Court, we were unable to have a clear distinction of what the actors were saying through the Lapel Microphones. This meant that we struggled to get it right and provide the best possible recording of the dialogue. Following the scene, I made sure that I got Liv (who plays Grace) to do a Radio Play for her lines which meant that the Editors would have a clear piece of audio for each of the characters lines that could be used over the top of the actual recorded footage. Another challenge that Jude and I faced was that the room had a lot of echo which meant that the character lines were clearly bouncing off the walls. We tried to think of a way to combat this but unfortunately we struggled with this and made sure that the Editors were aware of this.

25/4/24 - Production - Day 6

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:37:50 UTC

This was the final day of recording for myself as the following day would be where I switch with Jude. To start the day, I used one of the Lapel Microphones to record the Grace's Monologue because I felt that this best provided a clear audio track. The scene is about a personal message from the character and so I felt that having the Sound being more crisp and precise would help to contribute that to an audience member. This would be opposed to a Boom Poll which might that capture that as perfectly as required. As you can see from the image above, I decided to place Microphone just below the Actor because it meant that it was positioned well with where the Sound waves would go but also it had no possible chance of making it into the camera shot. One of the things that myself and Jude had learnt during this process was that the movement of the Actor was having a huge affect on the audio quality coming from the Wireless Go Microphone. This meant that there was no issues for this scene due to the Microphone being positioned away from the Actor. The following scene's filmed on this day were a lot of movement and so I understood how the use of the Boom Microphones would be key for this. One of the key scenes for this is when Grace comes back in and gets something out of the fridge. I decided that I should make sure that I capture the sound for each of the takes so that we have a baseline for the Sound effects that could be used. However, I noted how some of the Sound effects could be sourced to make it a more immersive experience for an audience member watching this scene.

29/4/24 + 30/4/24 - Post-Production

sharrison171 — 2024-05-02 22:40:26 UTC

I decided to take it upon myself to help out further with the editing stage of the process. As mentioned earlier, I felt that a lot of the scenes had minimal to no dialogue and so from a Sound point of view, the use of Sound effects were going to be key. I used several websites to source the required sounds such as FreeSounds and Pixabay which gave me free access to a huge array of different Sound effects. Having used the Sound Breakdown sheet, I found how a lot of the Sounds were reoccurring such as the use of Footsteps, Ambience noises and Doors opening.

Sound Breakdown - Document Link

sharrison171 — 2024-05-03 00:42:53 UTC

Sound Effects - Editing Breakdown

sharrison171 — 2024-05-03 00:44:19 UTC

Document Link

Sound Equipment List

sharrison171 — 2024-05-03 00:46:33 UTC

Document Link