Session 1: Today we will discuss to requirements for our first project, “Environments and Processing”. The goal of the “Environments and Processing” project is to re-create from a written script the sound design for a movie scene that contains no dialogue using pre-recorded sound effects. The lack of dialogue allows us to focus on imagining all of the sounds that illustrate the characteristics of the scenario.

Mix a minimum of five layers (tracks) of sound that support the objects, actions, environments, emotions, and transitions for the scene provided. Use volume automation, panning, reverb, and other signal processing to “place” the sounds giving them a sense of space. Use your imagination to organize the sounds on the timeline as if they were synchronized to picture.

We will present our projects in class on session 2 of week 3. Five percent of your grade is awarded for participating in the presentations. Here’s a link to the word document that contains the project requirements:

Assignment 1: Sound Design – Environments and Processing

Later in the lab I will continue with some more Pro Tools demonstrations that relate to the current project.

Reading:
Sound Design by David Sonnenschein – Chapter 2, Expanding Creativity

Session 2: Before continue with more Pro Tools demonstrations related to the “Environments and Processing” project, let’s take a look at the sound design special features from the movie WALL-E. These special features include interview with lead sound designer, Ben Burtt, as well as the director, Andrew Stanton, and several other people who contributed to the film.

WALL-E Special Features Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds From The Sound Up (Part 1)
WALL-E Special Features Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds From The Sound Up (Part 2)