Sound

Here is some great, practical advice about sound design creation, giving a real insight into how sound creates meaning.

TASK: An alien spaceship is landing in the school playground. Perhaps is squashes some people, perhaps some are burnt to cinders by Hydron-radiation gama tubes... What everyday sounds could you record and play to give this sequence its sound track? How would they work semiotically? (Remember the gun/knife effects of the timer starting in the Saw extract?)

More advanced techniques include 'Songtage' (neologism of 'song' and 'montage' - I guess moong wouldn't have sounded so good) also known as a 'foundtrack' (they're good at these neolgisms, Media types are). Find out what they are here.

TASK: Think of your favourite song. How could it be used to underscore emotional tension in your favourite TV drama? Or work the other way; what pop song would best fit your favourite TV drama opening sequence?
Why do it? Find out here.