Lo4: Be able to record, edit and review sound elements

P5: Record the different sound elements for the
soundtrack to produce a final product. Evidence for this
could be documentation for the recording to cover
combining elements or use of photographic evidence of
setting up and using equipment.

Evidencing studio setup and recording :

The elements for the radio were all recorded using the studio microphone recording into garage band. This audio file was then exported at a high quality which was then imported into Adobe audition to edit.

P6: Carry out post-production edits to the soundtrack.
Evidence this in a formal report with screen captures of
how the post-production edits were achieved or a screen recording with an audio commentary.

Below is evidence of adding audio effects onto the clips. A echo effect was added to a duplicate track of the backing track, this was added in order to fade out the track in a creative and less abrupt way making it easier to transition into the next element in the radio show. Reverb was also added to the presenters voices to mimic the generic radio/ energetic advert voice. To also better define the audio from the presenters the 'amplify' effect was added making them louder and more distinguishable from the background music.

Furthermore, throughout the radio trail the levels of the audio were frequently adjusted. This can be seen in the yellow line representing the audio gain key frames. First the music is loud to catch the listeners attention, this volume was then dropped as the presenters were introduced. Then again at the end of the presenters segment, the music then increases before fading out. Within most of the audio clips to ensure a smooth and seamless transition between clips a fade in and fade out was used. The sound effects were also added on a new track and again lowered so they didn't over power the audio of the presenters.

All this was then exported as a MP3...

Timeline and effects used:

Amplify effect:

Exporting radio trail:

M2: Present the soundtrack and record feedback using a
preferred method. Depending on the method selected, this
could be evidenced as a video (e.g. face to face interview
or focus group) or as a questionnaire survey

Finished radio trail:
 

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B9L2KWS
Survey: Feedback was collected on the radio advert, this was done so by creating a survey via survey monkey and distributed to ten respondents. The survey was comprised of four questions as seen below.

D1: Evaluate feedback to improve the soundtrack,
evaluating how the technical and auditory qualities meet
the identified purpose. This could be in the form of
annotated screenshots or a screen recording of the
adjustment process, and should identify what feedback led
to which improvements.

From the feedback it can be seen that as a whole the radio advert suited its function. When asked to rate the advert out of ten, of the ten participants soon voted under a rating of seven, with the majority of five voting a full ten out of ten, amounting to an average of 9.1. Similarly, when asked how professional is the advert there was no response under the rating of 7, with the majority rating either nine or ten, amounting to an average of 9.1 also. However, when asked if the advert catches their attention one of the nine respondents disagreed. They stated that they found the advert to be 'generic'.
Despite this the majority, of respondents agreed. This was a as result of the advert conforming to the conventions of traditional radio adverts and establish the radio as a professional show, as supported by the answers seen in question 4. Finally, when asked if there are any changes and or improvements to be made two people stated that the advert should 'fade in or out' and that the 'levels of sound' could be changed.

Lo3: Be able to plan the production of sound elements for an identified media purpose

P3: Develop ideas for a soundtrack to include different
types of sound elements. Evidence could be in the form of
a rough script, spider diagram or audio, and submitted
with a storyboard, assets table, or written report detailing
ideas.

P4: Create planning materials for the intended production
of a short soundtrack. This could be a continuation of P3
but with ideas being more developed and ready for
recording. All evidence should reflect industry working
practices.

Script:

M1: Identify any issues and resolutions to the legal and ethical issues for sounds to be included in the production process. This should be clear and detailed. 

As part of the production of the radio advert I have tried to avoid possible legal implications. Therefore I have produced all the elements myself or sourced them from royalty free audio sites, I did so in order to avoid breaking any copyright acts. The main audio for the advert was recorded by me, the supporting backing track and two sound effects were sourced from freesound.org, which provides audio to be used in productions free of charge and restrictions from copyright acts.  If I weren't to source this from here or attain the license for such products it could result in legal prosecution from the holder.

Another issue would be permissions. To use the voices of those involved in the advert their permission would be required. This would be attained through them signing a release and consent form which is a legal document which gives permission for the shwo to use their voice as part of the advert and distribute it accordingly.

There are no other legal and ethical issues as a reuslt of this radio advert as it does not cover no controversial subejcts, neither is it sladorous or offensive in any way. It also makes use of two presentes both with diffrent genders and race within the advert which could possibly be seen to show divesity with regards to those involved in the production of the show.

Lo2: Know the techniques and processes used to create sound elements

P2: Research and present a report into the creation of a
soundtrack (e.g. Ben Burtt – Wall-E). Explain how varied
equipment and techniques are used to record these
sounds

In the industry, Ben Burtt is a renowned foley artist. Having worked from 1975 to present, he has worked on several big name movies ranging from Star Wars to Wall-E.

To create sounds Burtt uses a variety techniques and instruments. In addition to using more traditional methods and instruments such as strings and drums, Burtt also uses a variety of custom machines to make the specific sound desired by the productions, such as rain makers and gravel trays. Ben Burrt is also known to use his own vocals to create sound as well as gathering sounds from the real world for his films.

The foley sound which Burtt creates is then recorded using microphones. The location and proximity of the microphone to the sound dramatically affects the resulting audio clip. He would also vary which microphones he uses as a more sensitive would be best suited to capturing audio from subtle sound sources, where as a boom mic would be best suited to recording exterior sound or directional audio.

Examples of how Ben Burrt creates sound can be seen in the film Wall-E. The sci fi style animation required a large and varied range of sound effects and audio to dub over the animation. One such sound effect is a futuristic gun shot, he achieved this by using a spring to recreate the sound which was then edited with adjustments to pitch and speed etc. Changes in pitch and speed are prevalent throughout the work of sound designers with Burrt speaking greatly of how speed of playing an instrument contributes to its effect. 

Sound is key at connecting the film to the target audience. Within the film Wall E the exciting, energetic and loud sounds designed by Ben Burtt appeals to Disney’s younger target audience for the film, with ages ranging from 8 to 13. The sound design also reinforces the genre of the piece. The metallic style sounds used throughout the film fit well with the sci-fi genre and a prevalent throughout similar styled movies. Furthermore, due to the nature of the film and it being a animation it is heavily dependant on sound as they obviously can be no field recordings. In addition to this, the film features little dialogue which appeals to a younger audience, but this means they have to be engaged otherwise by the sounds created. Examples how Burrt did this can be seen in the scene were the rocket takes off, this was created by using a large sheet of metal to create a thunder rumble sound which mimics the sound of the engine. 

P2: Practice example of applying soundtrack tools (e.g.Nature doc, Film Clip) with commentary on your workingprocess. 

Adding sound to film clip

As part of this task sound was added to a video clip from a film. To do so, several soundtracks, wild tracks and foley sounds were sourced, then imported into premiere where they were then edited in accordance to the visuals. This included changing the levels of the audio in order to make it realistic in line with the surrounding environment, in addition to this some effects were added and the curves of the volume changed to fade in, fade out and vary the loudness. This can be seen below... Examples of sound implemented into this track include: Beachboys backing tack, beach side wildtrack, city wildtarack, highway wild track and several other sound effects such as dogs barking, cars passing, horns, pedestrians walking, boots, laughing, chatting, braking, engine revving, sports cars and swooshes used to reinforce the visuals of the whip pan transitions seen at 0.32 seconds.

Vox Pop

This voxpop was made by first going out and recording the answers to the question with a voice recorder, using separate clips. These were then imported into audition and using the cut tool reduced down to the correct length and cutting out the wind noise where the audio peaked. Some effects were then added, such as nice reduction and dehisser. This was then compiled together and exported.

Lo1: Understand how sound elements are used across media industries

P1: Produce a report which describes how sound elements
are used in varied media products

Opening scene from Jurassic Park - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpdxcQ1zYN0&t=12s
Within the Jurassic Park piece the purpose of the music is to set the scene and add drama. The whimsical and surreal music reinforces the idea of fantasy land, the upbeat tone and fast faced nature of the track also alludes to future prospects whilst reinforcing the ideas of an equalibrium to the audience. Throughout the opening scene one continuous track is used with varying aspects added to coincide with the visuals and/ or narrative. One such example of this would be the loud fast paced instrumental which supports the fast paced cuts between the helicopter flying through the canyon, the large amount of instruments layered all emphasis the diabetic sounds of the helicopter flying by. Similarly, the use of sound emphasises the dialogue, this can be seen at (00:26). The music accompanying the sequence slowly increases in drama from the beginning, this is achieved through adding more instruments and increasing the pace, this then peaks at the point where the helicopter flys past and after the loudest point in the scene the audio then dramatically lessens as the dialogue is introduced. This dramatic change in loudness catches the audiences attention thus adding more emphasis to the key dialogue scene that followed. Thereafter when introduced to the exterior shots the supporting music again increases in dramatic value, with more instruments being added, this can be see at (00:57).

Wallace & Gromit -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoV9Hs5Z3rQ

Within this example music and sound effects are used to create suspense and anticipation within the audience. From 00:15 to 00:44 the music is used to create suspense, this is also creatively reinforced by the visuals. Starting at 15 seconds in music is slowly introduced, initially quiet and subtle, possibly alluding to the quiet and suspicious antics of the characters in the animation. This music then heightens across a short period of time, getting louder and more prominent within the piece. Coincidentally, as the the character scales the side of the building the music is also synchronised as it scales in volume and tension. Once the dramatic scene has peaked the music again lowers to a subtle track in the background to allow emphasis to the diagetic sounds and key sound effects of the robotic suit which is key to the narrative and plot of the scene. At 03.25 music is used differently, this time to create drama and a sense of panic/ terror. The sudden implementation of the strings in a chaotic and unexpected manor in the scene shocks the audience and portrays the emotion and feeling of the character in the piece. This is abruptly ended by the foley sound of the grabber securing the diamond which restores calm to the scene and reintroduces the subtle under tones.

Alton Towers Radio Advert 2007 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g86RPUZNbB0

Within this radio ad there is a  heavy use of sound effects throughout to reinforce the themes and intentions of the piece. First introduced at the start is the sound of a rollercoaster accending, this clearly shows to the listener the style of radio ad and product it is try to promote. Shortly after, as the sound of the rollercoaster peaks the narration is introduced and is spoken as if it was someone on the ride, further renifocring the theme. There after several othe sound effects are added including sounds of screams, cheers and crowds to give the illusion the listener is at the themepark itself and involve them in the advert.

Squirrel

Script

------------------

Cairngorms, Abernathy Forest

In the heart of Scotland, in the Abernathy Forest located in Cairngorms the fantasy forest is alive with the scampering squirrel population.

The idyllic rolling hills and vast valleys encompass the open and thriving landscape. With greenery as far as the eye can see.

And it is this habitat that allows the red squirrel population to thrive.

Over 20,000 red squirrels live in Scotland alone, making it home to 75% of the population of the species.

This magnificent species, scientifically known as Sciurus Vulgaris, survive of Scotland’s bountiful country side and forestry. 

Their diet consists of seeds, buds, flowers, nuts and berries from many trees and shrubs.  They are also known to occasionally eats, fungi, insects and bird’s eggs. 

  

But no all is bliss…

The red squirrel population is not alone. The Scottish Highlands boast a wide and diverse variety of animals all in competition with the squirrels. Predators such as owls, hawks, racoons and foxes are all fierce competition for sizeable squirrels survival.

So much so that the species often reside high up in trees in a nest made from twigs, leaves and moss. This is called a dray. 

The dray may also be found in holes in trees or set against the trunk and branches. 

LO1: Soundscape lesson

Blade Runner 
Market ambiance
Oriental music
people - Conversations
vehicles - engine noises
Advertising tannoy
Weather - Rain
Neon Lights
Computers

Dystopian sci-fi city

Saving Private Ryan
Ocean waves
Vomit
Solidier dialogue
Engine
Whistle

Bullets and guns
explosions
shouting
rockets/ mortars
muffled water sfx
metallic


" Explain how sound music is used to create a particular genre/mood in the clip. Note the interest between the first minute and rest of the clip"

In the initial minute of the clip a solum and serious tone is set, this is achieved by the use of no music but the distant hum of the engine combined with the silence of the soldiers, thus conveying there emotions and mindset. These subtle sounds of coughing and vomiting also reinforce this. At the point the prominent whistle sound effect is introduced this silence and calm falls into disruption and confusion. The persistent use of bullets and explosions from there on after reinforce this as the distinct and loud metallic sounds of the bullets hitting helmets and the surroundings enforce a sense of shock on the audience.

The Archers
Foley sound effects are used to introduce characters and what the characters are doing. For example the sound of a door opening signifies the entry of a new person, whilst the sound of cups clinking and tea being drank shows the audience what the characters are partaking in. The exterior scene also use soundscapes to reinforce the setting, for example the sounds of machinery combined with wind and animal noises portray the farm location. Furthermore, the distinct theme tune signifies the start and end of the whole piece to the audience.