module specification

In this module, you will develop professional working practices in sound production for film, including location sound recording, ADR and dialogue recording and audio postproduction and mixing.

By taking this module, you will open up pathways in film production and postproduction with relation to sound, whether it be working as part of the sound team as a recordist or boom operator, or by developing a deeper understanding of sound for your own film productions.

In this practice-based module, you will work as a part of production teams, producing a portfolio of short films and videos with a focus on audio and sound production quality. By doing so, you will work on exercises in location sound recording, ADR and dialogue recording in studio environments, and audio postproduction and mixing of sound to film. 

By working in small production teams of Music Technologist and Film and TV production students, you will have the opportunity to develop professional working practices, as well as foster collaborations for later projects in your studies.

This module aims to:
• Explore professional working practices in sound for film and TV.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of sound and recording methods on location.
• Enhance team working practices in cross media productions.
• Instil best practices in audio postproduction and mixing for film and TV.
• Introduce career pathways in location sound and audio postproduction.

• Sound and acoustics in relation to location sound. (LO1, 2)
• Microphone specifications and techniques. (LO1, 2)
• Boom operation and sound recordist approaches. (LO1, 4)
• ADR and dialogue recording in postproduction. (LO1)
• Synchronisation, and editing sound to the moving image. (LO1)
• Wild tracks and location sound effects.  (LO1)
• Sound mixing and sound designing in film and TV. (LO1, 3)
• Job roles in sound and location recording. (LO1, 4)

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time.

Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops on the use of sound recording equipment, dialogue recording techniques and audio post-production.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading. Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments. 

In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and sound design production practice supported by the technicians.

Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own, and each other’s work on the collaborative projects across the module.

On completion of this module, student should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate effective working practices in sound for film and TV, including recording and synchronisation of ADR.
LO2. Apply theories relating to sound and acoustics in recording location sound.
LO3. Demonstrate good approaches to sound mixing and audio postproduction.

LO4. Discuss their work critically and with a demonstrated understanding of the wider contexts relating to music technology or film production.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/4844E759-13F7-FF49-2600-FD428BEA1F33.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.
• Purcell, J. (2007) Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures: A guide to the invisible art. Burlington: Focal Press.
• Viers, R. (2012) The Location Sound Bible: How to Record Professional Dialog for Film and TV. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions.
• Viers, R. (2008). The sound effects bible: How to create and record Hollywood style sound effects. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions.
• Yewdall, D. L. (2007) Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound. 3rd Edition. Burlington: Focal Press.