Module 1 – Audio Design I

Chapter 8 – Sound (The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video)

There are many steps that a sound vibration must take in order for the message to be transmitted to our brain. The frequency and amplitude of sound waves create the type of sound we hear. 

The frequency of a sound can be high or low, depending on the distance between waves. If a frequency is high, the shriller the sound will be.  Amplitude measures the size of the sound wave. If the size of the wave is large, the sound will be louder. Frequency is measure in Hertz and amplitude is measured in decibels. 

In film and video production, there are three general types of microphones – lavalier, hand mike and shotgun. Each microphone has advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the user to pick the best one for the situation of filming and producing. 

There are also different ways to record sounds and use them in production. A wild effect occurs when you record a sound in a closeup fashion without picture. This gives you an opportunity to use a clearer sound if needed in editing. A sync effect is a sound recorded at the same time as the picture. 

Engaging Episodes – The Powerful Podcasting Series 

It is always useful to begin creating a podcast by writing a script. An invisible script, however, helps create structure, ensures a flow, builds reputation, gives you a roadmap and cuts down on production time. 

Podcasts should be linear and follow steps. The listener should not have to jump backwards because they were confused. The flow and vibe of a podcast is very different from the written pattern like in a blog. Using contractions, short sentences and plain English without jargon helps the conversation of the podcast to flow easily. Adding personality to the podcast also helps to keep the reader entertained and locked in. 

Taglines can enhance your personal brand for your podcast – they should be short, memorable and direct. 

When planning for your podcast, creating an outline will help organize thoughts and help the flow of the show. A mind map is fun, innovative way to create an outline by drawing or using apps. Before going live, it is a good idea to read over, edit and rewrite the base of the script and outline. 

Kiwi! 

Normal: This video was an evolutionary piece that showed the timeline of stop-motion filming. Stop-motion filming is a very unique way of telling a visual story. The stop-motion refers to the producers and creators taking photos of the action in the scene and then slightly moving the scene and taking another picture. This process continues for a long period of time to create a motion effect once the pictures are edited together. This video used an increasingly dramatic song that told the story of the evolution through sound. In the more dramatic images and videos, the music was louder. I liked the storyline of this video and enjoyed seeing movies from my childhood appear.

Um, not normal: This video was really interesting. I honestly did not understand it and probably should have watched it again, but I did not want to because it made me sad. The music added a very depressing vibe. I thought the hard cuts to black and then back to the action were distracting. 

Different: After watching this video, I felt better about the story because the music was more uplifting and you felt like there was a sense of purpose and work in somewhat of a success story. The little bird always wanted to fly, made a forest and then somehow ended up with a family in the end. Even though this video was basically the same as the first, it was not as sad because of the music. 

Podcast Examples

Beyoncé’s Homecoming – NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour

I listened to this podcast in a different class and loved it. I am a big fan of Beyoncé to begin with and loved the discussion about her Homecoming Netflix documentary. This podcast used Beyoncé’s music to enhance the story line. The music was used directly over discussion at a low volume and then the volume was raised when the editors wanted the song to play alone. 

The Office Ladies 

This podcast is hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from the show The Office. It is a very light podcast that incorporates interviews, sound bites and conversation to tell the stories from every single Office episode that the duo starred in. This podcast engages the listener with fun stories from the beloved show and brings special guests to talk about different segments from the episodes. 

Dream with Us | Nike Commercial | Women’s World Cup 2019

Nike has always been a brand that tells the most captivating stories in their commercials. As a female, an athlete and a fan of sports, this commercial makes me feel like I can do anything. The sound in this commercial is stunning – from the lockers slamming to the cleats grinding on the pavement, the viewer feels like they are there, running alongside the athletes. The breath floats up from the cold air and you get goosebumps. The line of athletes represents a team coming out before the game starts. It makes you feel like you are a part of something bigger than just yourself. It tells the story of the little girl looking up to someone like Mal Pugh, and it’s told all through visuals and the narration.  

Mindmap – Podcast

Closing the Pay Gap for Professional Female Athletes

Pre-Production Planning Document (PODCAST)

The topic I chose for this podcast is about closing the pay gap for professional female athletes. I chose this topic because it is something I am passionate about and it is relevant in society right now. I hope to spark a discussion with people who listen, and I hope to bring light to a topic people might not know a lot about.

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