The production for Aunty has concluded. A full sequence has been provided for me to finalise the sound design and Foley and the final mix and mastering are ready for showcasing at the animation graduation.
Completed Full Sequence
I have been sent a completed version for showcase where I have to finalise the finishing touches. I will be synching the sounds again because adding new footage shifts the timeline between the audio and the video. This is easily fixed by dragging and dropping audio files in Logic. This is my final chance to add to the sound design and Foley, taking on board the criticism from my peer and lecturer feedback. This was noted in my previous blog.
Finished Version
Here is the final version of Aunty. Sound design, Foley mixed and mastered ready for showcasing for the BA year 3 animation course graduation LCC.
Behind the Scenes of the Sound Production
Firstly I made the necessary changes from my peer and lecture criticism and feedback. I mainly took on board adding layers to sounds and correcting volume levels which polished the final product.
Adding Layers
Alchemy is a synthesiser in Logic used to add musical compositional elements adding layers to my sounds. Here are some examples where I have used soundscapes, sound effects and pads to enhance narrative through sound effects on emotion.
This sound is supposed to alert the viewer of what’s coming. A harmonic sound creates the feeling of suspense before the scene of distress with Aunty an emotional episode from her overwhelming distress and grief of missing her family.
Aunty’s Emotional Episode
Using multiple sounds from alchemy I created a tonality of distress replicating the visual happening on screen. Aunty is in a state of distress from her feeling of guilt, stress, worries, sadness and grief missing her family which all overwhelm sending her into a mental breakdown. The sound takes the audience into the mind of Aunty. Dometic helpers in Hong Kong are known as ‘Auntys’ as they act as parents who care for a child because they are being paid by the parents whose time is taken up by work. ‘Aunty’/domestic helpers come from places less fortunate struck with poverty where they are employed as domestic helpers providing for their families. A sacrificial hardship.
A harmonic tone that synchronises with the fitment of the wedding ring adds a depth of satisfaction and glorification to the scene.
This sound resembles Aunty’s confusion which we see in her facial expression.
I have layered a distressing pad as the flickering of the notes becomes more intense and increased volume to create a dramatic effect.
Sound Designing Title Screen
Viewing the title screen I imagined the sounds of paper rippling, flickering and birds. Using Pixabay I found the perfect sound I then edited making them unique to my project. I used time-stretch to synchronise the audio to the image and echos to create a dramatic effect. Layering the two sounds made for a satisfying viewing experience.
Motief
By including the same sounds from the title screen heard at the beginning at the end I am purposely reoccurring these sounds to create a cathartic effect through narration. The tension from the events leading up to this moment is released in a cathartic ending where Aunty and Ying share a moment together, filling their sense of loneliness by creating a moment together.
Mixing & Mastering
I took the role responsible for the final mix and mastering of the project where I played back my finished product in 4 different ways, studio monitors, laptop speakers, phone speakers and TV speakers. I am satisfied that the dialogue and sound design and Foley do not clash at the correct volume levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am extremely proud of myself and my work. I have taken onboard all criticism and implemented changes which has brought my work to another level of success voicing me as an artist. Combining theorisation for sound and image using motifs and technical editing skills from field recording to editing this project has tested my ability as a creator to succeed.