Reflective Summary

This project was very challenging, and although i has many issues to resolve, i feel happy and confident about my overall result of the artefact. Before starting the creative process i set out 3 learning outcomes. These included:

LO1: To undertake the location sound recording of a short film to a professional standard that the client is happy with.

LO2: To undertake the audio post production of the project, including editing, Foley, sound design and mixing, to a professional standard that the client is happy with.

LO3: To research the role & relationship between  different audio professionals in the film industry and clearly identify how my role matches up with the project

The first issue i came across was time restrictions. My original idea was to create an electronic music EP, however this proved unrealistic in my experience in this subject and would have involved an incredible amount of research and practice that was unrealistic for me to complete in the time I had. I did have a back up plan, which was to work on the sound of a short film, produced by A level 3 media group. However I joined at quite a late stage, that being around week 5. This meant that i missed out on vital times to conduct my research for this project. However luckily it didn’t take long to find a good media group to work for, for my client based project. I was pointed in the direction of a film called Shafer.

My first Learning outcome involved undertaking research and perfuming the location sound recording. The issues i had with this was time, as stated before i was limited time which effected the quality of research i undertook. Although i looked at a lot of videos and articles, not all of these were credible sources. This meant i went into the location sound recording, not 100% knowing if i was doing things right. The other main issue i had with location recording was the number of people that were involved with sound. That being 1, including me, covering three roles in one. That being boom op, sound mixing, and cable man. This sometimes proved tough, in tight spaces, and in complicated scenes with lots of dialogue. However to resolved this issue, i explained the situation with the producer and director. This allowed me slightly more time between takes, to set up for the next shot, sort out cables, analyse my environment and fill out the sound log to the best of my ability. Sadly, i feel that the quality of recorded audio was effected by this lack of labour. However i feel that i did do a professional job, comparing the location sound research in my blog with the way i worked throughout the shoot. However this could have improved by understanding better techniques. The client was also very happy with it. I send the director a form with various questions regarding my performance in the process:

 Screen Shot 2015-12-17 at 15.49.08

In terms of the Sound log, i completely agree that this could of been improved. However as stated before due to lack of labour it was difficult to complete alongside everything else.

The second Learning Outcome involved researching and conducting the post production of the audio for the film. Similarly to the last learning outcome, time restraints, meant it was rather difficult conducting ALL of the research needed to complete the project to a professional standard. However i conducted small btw of research and then used books and other research as a reference whilst conducting the oat production. I made sure that i liaised with the director and editors frequently to ensure that the cline  (director) felt confident in me and was happy with the overall result. The main issues i came across where yet again time and labour. Labour proved difficult during the foley process and it was very difficult for me to record quality foley, especially in the sound theatre where it requires two people to operate. Therefore I recruited a hand for one or two of the foley sessions. Before mixing i organised a meeting with the director to make sure that he was happy with the product overall at this stage. There was a few things he pointed out that needed to be changed. This proved really useful as i made the revenant changes to make the client happy and making the LO achievable. After using a reference film to set the levels during the mixing stage, the film was screened to the client. However the feedback i got fro, this seas the balance of levels were great but the overall volume was a tad too quiet. To resolve this issue i was given an extra night to complete the mix. I slightly altered some of the sub mixes and increase the master fader slightly, keeping the right balance that the director liked.

I feel i showed professionalism throughout the whole post production process. However to improve i would have conducted more research before starting the process. If given more time, i would have also sent my mix to an industry professional/ expert to analyse his/her opinions of the finished product, and made any relevant changes based on their views. However i feel that the client was exceptionally happy with my professionalism and of the audio of the film.

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As a result i feel that i confidently achieved the Second Learning Outcome.

My third Learning Outcome involved researching the different roles and relationships in the sound department of a typical film and identifying how it matches and compares to the role i played. However i feel that this learning outcome was not confidently met. However i did create a table that included the typical roles within the sound department of a film, explained what they are, and how that role compares with the role i played. I also included a screenshot of the people involved in the audio process of a film: Woman in black. To show that i have researched a typical sound department and how they work together. However due to running out of time, and spending all my efforts on the production of the audio, this Learning outcome could not be fully achieved.

Overall i am very happy with the outcome of the Film. I thoroughly enjoyed the process an have a product that i am proud of. As well i have managed to make the director and his team very happy and have been asked to be apart of their next film.

if i was to do this project again, i would make sure that i knew what i was doing early on in the stage, to conduct the necessary research i need, therefore i can jump in with the editing and creative process with more experience and knowledge. I would also i made sure i had a larger team. At least one more person in the location recording, one to mix and one to boom, and perhaps someone to help out with the post production, perhaps splitting the different roles over 2 or 3 people.

Client Feedback

Related to LO1 and LO2

After finishing the film i sent a client feedback form to the director to show if  i achieved my first 2 learning outcomes. The results to the form are as followed.

Lewis

 

Timestamp: 12/17/20015 0:52:21

How professional was he to work with during the shooting process?

As professional I would have wanted him.

Were you Happy with him throughout the shooting process?

yes, very good quality of work. Pleasure to be around

Anything that could of been improved?

The sound log (but i understand there should have been someone helping him so i don’t mind at all)

Things he did well?

Good knowledge of what he needed to do

good foley sound and mixing too

Were you happy with him throughout this process?

yes

How professional was he to work with during the post production process?

very professional, worked very hard 

Things he did well?

Foley work in such a small amount of time

Are you happy with the finished product? State Why

High quality sound like we intended

Out of 10 what would you give the overall product?

9/10

How good was the communication between you and Jack throughout the process?

very good clear use of communication Not information overall during busy times kept information vital

Would you work with him again?

yes

Project Description, Aims And Objectives

For my first semester Audio Project I will be working with a L3 media production group and working on the sound on their short film. I will undertake the location sound recording (making sure the recordings are clear), and the post production (including, editing, Foley, sound design and mixing.) The composer has already been selected, so I will also have to work closely with them to ensure the music sounds right with the scenes of the film.

I will approach this project by researching into the film itself and get an overview of what the film is about. I will then research into location recording techniques, increasing my knowledge and skills in this area. I will then put these skills into practice before the actual shooting of the film by loaning out audio equipment to test. Once the film has been shot I will need to research into specific details of the film and how to create the sound that the director wants. I will undertake research into editing, Foley and sound design practices to improve my skills in this area whilst I am waiting for the film to be delivered to me.

I will be using aims & objectives/ learning outcomes to measure how effective my research has been and to measure the skills and knowledge i have developed.

Learning Outcomes:

LO1: To undertake the location sound recording of a short film to a professional standard that the client is happy with.

LO2: To undertake the audio post production of the project, including editing, Foley, sound design and mixing, to a professional standard that the client is happy with.

LO3: To research the role & relationship between  different audio professionals in the film industry and clearly identify how my role matches up with the project

Objectives:

Research and practice location recording techniques.

Research in detail what the film is about and make a detailed plan of action on how I’m going to undertake the project.

Make a plan of action with regards to location sound recording, and use the script as direction.

Deliver the quality audio to the client.

Research in detail audio post production techniques, and put them in practice.

Mix the final audio soundtrack.

Receive a critical analysis from the director and adhere to any changes necessary.