Chapter 18
While sound can be an elements that is overlooked, it’s arguably the most important aspect of a film. If the audio of a film is perfect, then you should be able to make out what’s happening with your eyes closed, not needing any visuals. Of course this is difficult to achieve, which is why I dedicated an entire week to foley, finding sound effects, and the overlaying of the sounds to synchronize with what’s happening on screen.
To create dimension I included background sounds found on the editing app I used (CapCut). One was a mix of "cicadas, crows, construction sounds heard from the outside in summer," which was continuous throughout the entirety of the film. This prevented any silence in the film. Additionally, I used "[Raw recording] Record playback noise" from the same app to create a realistic soundscape ,since Catalina’s environment features classy music for the majority of the film.
Using sound bridges and fades, I smoothly blended audio between scenes, ensuring a seamless transition. By allowing sounds to overlap and flow into each other, I prevented abrupt cuts that might have disrupted the viewing experience. Additionally, in certain scenes, I employed non-diegetic stings to build suspense, intensifying the tension of the film and hinting at potential danger.
For the majority of the film, I created my own sounds, as I felt it enhanced the realism and better coordinated with what's on screen. Above is a video demonstrating how I used an object that was not originally part of the scene to mimic the prop used on screen. Specifically, I used a keychain to replicate the sound of a necklace clasp. Please refer to the video below to see the shot that incorporates the foley sound.
(Unfortunately despite my efforts the necklace clasp scene will not load so we will just have to wait for the actual film opening.)
Necklace clasp shot
Above is an example of how I used an object similar to the prop to create a foley sound. I used a lipgloss tube to mimic the sound of a concealer tube. Please view the scene featuring the sound below.
Concealer scene
Considering I wanted to add onscreen music I had to choose between two great background music options. Below is the breakdown on how I decided which one.
Sample one:
“Waltz No. 10 / Chopin, piano”
Sample two:
CLICK ON VIDEO
The first sample was classy and sophisticated, with varying intensities throughout the audio. It sets an elegant tone, occasionally obscured by the sting I added in my editing. Meanwhile, the second sound was also classy but had an eerie and suspenseful quality. Both options mainly featured piano, which adds to the sophisticated mood. However, the second sound, while adding more suspense, felt too spooky and might give the impression that the entire film is meant to be scary, which isn't the case since it's not in the horror genre. The film is only supposed to be suspenseful at certain times, which is what the stings are for. Considering this comparison, I've chosen the first sample, 'Waltz No. 10 / Chopin, piano.' Its elegance allows the stings to be expressed and effectively enhance the suspenseful feeling when necessary.
With all this being done, I have successfully completed the editing process and will be moving on to my Creative Critical Reflection (CCR).
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