Introduction to the Unit
University unfortunately striked the first week causing the class to start the second year on catch-up.
Today consisted of reading the brief with our teacher which I consider the most important lesson as you get a fully detailed understanding of the brief and the ability to ask any questions.
Sound For Screen is a discipline I’m really interested in I have always loved movies and would love to create and work in the industry of sound for screen.
Week 2 Preparation
Gaze: Short Film
A single mum caring for her child, just another late night back home however her bravery calls for more bravery than she ever anticipated. She sees a venerable old man asleep who gets pickpocketed. She awakens the old man and him what happened. The young man gets humiliated and thrown off the bus. The mother is then followed home and seriously scared by this pickpocketer.
The sound design of the motorbike creates a voice for the villain’s character. This ‘voice’ is tormenting the audience, will she make it home? I learned that sound can act as a character.
Larry Achiampong
Film Industry
I relate to and am inspired by his creation when he said I create when I feel there’s a need for a message to be said.
Outside Practical
As a class, we experimented with some really cool and expensive microphones.
Firstly I used the Aquarian H2A hydrophones which a contact microphones/hydrophones. These have always fascinated me as they record a different dimension of sound through vibrations.
What Did I Record?
I used the contact microphone to record my own heart beat which turned out successful. I recorded the vibrations of an electrical box. I placed the microphone in some water which felt very wrong and wasn’t very successful as there was no movement to the water.
How did I Record?
Using the ZOOM h4 as an audio interface I plugged into the microphones using an XLR cable. This practice was very good for learning field recording technical skills.
I also used Telinga Parabolic Dish and Condenser Microphone Kit which was my favourite. Its ability to record sound directly from a distance was really cool. It was as simple as point, aim and record.
I used Rode NTG2 Shotgun Mic which was great at also recording direction sound.
Conclusion
Today’s activity was fun using these high-tech microphones and getting to understand their capabilities. It was also a good time to chat with classmates and get to know each other.