P2 - Techniques and Processes

 Foley Tracks

Microphones, headphones, boom poles, windshields, sound baffles, acoustic isolation panels, vocal booths:

Foley artists use microphones to capture the sound of everyday objects and record them in a studio. They use a variety of techniques to capture the sound of the objects, such as using contact microphones to pick up the sound of objects being struck or rubbed, or using directional microphones to capture the sound of objects being moved around. They also use a variety of techniques to manipulate the sound of the objects, such as using EQ, compression, and reverb to create the desired sound.

Also, Foley artists use headphones to accurately monitor and mix sound effects in order to create a realistic soundscape. They use headphones to listen to the sound effects they are creating and to ensure that the sound effects are properly balanced and mixed with the other elements of the soundtrack. Additionally, headphones can be used to isolate the sound effects from other sounds in the environment, allowing the foley artist to focus on the sound effects they are creating.

Foley artists use windshields to reduce unwanted background noise and to create a more realistic soundscape. Windshields can also be used to create a more natural sound by blocking out wind noise and other environmental sounds.

Foley artists use sound baffles to reduce the amount of sound that is reflected off of walls and other surfaces. This helps to create a more realistic soundscape and to reduce the amount of noise that is picked up by microphones. Sound baffles can also be used to create a more focused sound, which can be beneficial when recording dialogue or sound effects.

Foley artists use acoustic sound isolation panels to reduce the amount of ambient noise in their recordings. This helps to ensure that the sound they are recording is as clean and accurate as possible. The panels also help to reduce the amount of sound that is reflected back into the microphone, which can cause unwanted noise in the recording.

Foley artists use vocal booths to record sound effects and other audio elements that are used in film, television, and other media. They use the vocal booth to create a soundproof environment that allows them to record sound effects without any outside noise interference. The vocal booth also helps to reduce the amount of reverberation and echo that can occur when recording sound effects.

             Animal sounds

Foley artists use objects to create sounds based on a characters movements and interactions in movies and TV shows. Sometimes, they will find themselves making sounds for animals. 

The Foley artist in this clip is called Marko Costanzo and he is a veteran Foley artist for C5 sound Inc. He has worked on movies like Ice Age, Life of Pi and True Grit. Costanzo explained how complicated it was to create the sounds of a dragon fly flapping its wings in Men in Black and how he captured the footsteps of a dog at different ages in Marley & Me. 

Picking the correct sounds means closely examining the objects and surfaces. For example, a horse galloping is created using a pair of plastic coconut shells however, Costanzo realized you couldn't really hear the coconut shells on dirt therefore he chose to use rocks as he states "I use rock because you can hear the sound of the impact, when you use the coconut- yeah you might hear that little (duh duh, duh duh)  but when I use the rock I hear the (boom boom boom), whenever you ride a horse you're hearing that sound of that 5000lb animal on every footstep (boom boom boom boom)".

Composers have to be creative with the equipment that they use. They use typical high-quality, sensitive microphones and microphone choice is important to ensure the sound suit the scene. For interior scenes, a Neumann KM185, Audix SCX1/HC or Oktava mk-012 are great for capturing good audio. Certain sound effects require sensitive microphones to pick up certain nuances. 

The composers also use headphones to hear the quality of the audio they captured to ensure it fits the scene and decide if they need to re-record the sound. Headphones will have 3D spatial audio to ensure they can tell what the sound will be like is comparison to the world the scene is set and the direction the people are looking from.

Boom poles and microphones are used on set when filming to capture audio from a distance. Boom poles are used to hold microphones close to the actors and to capture audio from a specific direction. Microphones are used to capture the audio from the actors and other sound sources on set. 

             Theme Tune

A theme tune is important for a TV show because it helps to create a sense of identity and recognition for the show. It can also help to set the tone and mood of the show, and can be used to evoke certain emotions in the audience. Producers create theme tunes for TV shows by composing music that reflects the tone and style of the show. They may also use existing music or hire a composer to create a custom theme song. The music should be catchy and memorable, and should capture the essence of the show.

Stranger Things foley audio:

Stranger Things' theme song was composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band Survive. The song was created using a combination of synthesizers, drum machines, and vintage keyboards.

Stranger things reached out to music composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, where Kyle and Michael stated the email told them they had used their song in a mock trailer, which contained their song called Dirge. They stated they they were interested in working with them and sent them a bunch if music. The theme music was heavily influenced by Aphex Twins and Autechre and Bogdan Raczynski, which is an experimental side to electronic pop. As an artist, they take music what they have heard and adapt and make better sounds from they have enjoyed, when using modular synths, its even very difficult for you to recreate the same sound twice.

The use of purcussive instruments helps to create eeriness and reflect the shows horror, while keeping it unique. Also they play a bruning bass under it, which helps to create flow and have flat, deep sound.

The theme tune was written by hand then used multiple pieces of equipment to piece together the perfect sound. There is common misconception that the Arpeggio was created using a synthesizer however there was no arpeggio as it was crated by hand. Theme Tune for title sequence, film score, character's signature tune, Incidental music, Voice overs, Scripted speech

Theme Tunes for title sequences are important as they are used as an identity to that product. They are important as they can influence a narrative as well as audience mood, so creating a sound that matches the genre helps to influence the audience's opinions. 

The sound effects in Stranger Things are realistic and believable because they successfully created foley tracks. Foley tracks are used to create sound effects that are not available in the original recording, such as footsteps, doors opening and closing, and other environmental sounds. The sound effects are then mixed in with the original audio to create a more immersive experience for the viewer.

Stranger Things used acoustic booths to create their audio by isolating the sound from the outside environment and creating a controlled environment for recording. This allowed them to capture the sound they wanted without any outside interference.

Sound baffles were used by the producers of Stranger Things to create a sense of suspense and tension in the show. The sound baffles were used to create a sense of unease and mystery, as well as to create a sense of space and atmosphere. The sound baffles were also used to create a sense of movement and to add to the overall atmosphere of the show.

Voice Overs

Foley artists create voice overs by recording and manipulating sound effects to match the visuals of a scene. This includes creating sound effects for footsteps, clothing rustling, and other background noises. They also use props such as coins, paper, and other objects to create sound effects.

Signature Tune

Producers create a signature tune for a character by using a combination of musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation. They also consider the character's personality and the overall tone of the show when creating the signature tune. Additionally, producers may use sound effects and other audio elements to create a unique sound for the character. The Stranger Things producers created a signature tune for Eleven by combining elements of synth-pop, rock, and horror movie soundtracks. They used a combination of vintage synthesizers, electric guitars, and other instruments to create a unique sound that captures the show's eerie atmosphere. Eddie's signature tune in Stranger Things is "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash.