module specification

Audio plays a key role in various forms of digital and visual media, and so this module aims to give a grounding in the fundamental theory and practices in audio recording, post-production, and sound design in linear media formats.

Through completion of this module, you will develop core transferable skills working in sound that will support practice in a range of media industries, including music production, film, television and games.

You will be introduced to a broad range of techniques in audio production for linear media formats, including, location and field recording, foley, tracklaying, sound design and audio mixing.

By taking this module, you will have the opportunity to complete a portfolio of exercises and projects that will develop your creative, experimental, and technical skill in working with sound. By reviewing existing works and evaluating the outcomes of your own projects, you will also develop critical listening and thinking skills.

Aims of the module:
● To devise the study of theory, literature, and techniques of audio for media
● To provide students with key skills and knowledge in audio production for linear media
● To explore practical, hands-on examinations of the technical and creative processes of sound design
● To develop students’ ability to describe working processes and to present work-in-progress for different audiences
● To develop students’ ability to be analytical, reflective, and critical.

• Non-linear Editing Systems and Audio/Video Synchronisation (LO1, 2, 3)
• Sound Design: Core Concepts, History and Terminology (LO1, 2, 3)
• Creative production techniques: Sound Effects and Foley (LO1, 2)
• Working with Audio Cue Sheets and Scripts (LO1, 4)
• Studio recording techniques for film: Foley, ADR and SFX (LO1, 2, 3)
• Critical Listening: The role of sound within audio-visual productions (LO1, 4)

The balance between independent study and scheduled teaching activities within this module is 70% and 30% respectively.

Scheduled teaching follows the average contact time, per standard 30-credit module across the University, at 90 hours (3 hours per week). The scheduled teaching is divided in Lectures, Workshops, and Seminars.

Blended Learning is maintained via Weblearn Course and Module pages with full documentation of the activities developed in class. Opportunities for reflective learning/PDP are promoted through feedback and written reports, embedded in all assessments with emphasis on reflection of their work. Formative assessment and feedback is planned to address their learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements with a regular request of reflective commentaries in all written submissions.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate understanding of the core concepts, techniques and terminology in audio production.
LO2. Apply principles and practices in location sound and ambient bed recording techniques.
LO3. Successfully edit and synchronise audio to on-screen visual cues.
LO4. Demonstrate reflective practice and critical thinking surrounding audio visual projects.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/170BA93B-A1A2-C70C-CFF2-C2E8A68EB416.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Chion, M. (2009). Film, a sound art (English ed.). Columbia University Press.
• Harrison, T. (2021). Sound design for film. The Crowood Press.
• Murray, L. (2019) Sound design theory and practice: working with sound. Routledge.
• Viers, R. (2012). The location sound bible: How to record professional dialogue for film and TV. Michael Wiese Productions.
• Viers, R. (2008). The sound effects bible: How to create and record Hollywood style sound effects. Michael Wiese Productions.
• Woodhall, W. (2011). Audio production and post-production. Jones & Bartlett Learning.