| Project - Practical | 100 | 1~2~3~4 | Week 13 | HOURS= 100 hours | Students are required to design the sound for a five-minute sequence from an independent live-action or animated film, creating a fully immersive sound design that effectively supports the narrative. They will edit and mix audio using Pro Tools, apply appropriate digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, and produce comprehensive production notes detailing all creative and technical decisions. The subject matter is open to interpretation, provided it meets the specified technical requirements, including session management, loudness standards, and file format specifications.Tutorial ParticipationActive engagement in tutorials is essential, providing students with opportunities to present work-in-progress, receive formative feedback, and refine their technical and creative approaches. Tutorials encourage collaborative discussion, peer critique, and analysis of sound design principles, fostering critical thinking and professional communication. Students must offer constructive feedback, demonstrating engagement with course material and an ability to assess different techniques. Weekly participation allows students to track their progress, refine their work, and develop industry-relevant problem-solving skills.Full Production Workflow NotesStudents must document every stage of the sound design process, from initial planning through to final mastering. This includes establishing key sonic elements and technical requirements to ensure the sound design effectively supports the narrative, mood, and emotional intent of the sequence. A comprehensive production log must detail spotting, sound recording, Foley, editing, processing, mixing, and final mastering. Separate notes must be maintained for sound effects creation and re-recording decisions, explaining how each element enhances the narrative, spatial composition, and audience perception of the final mix. A one thousand-word report must critically evaluate how the final sound design aligns with the initial objectives.Sound Creation and EditingStudents must design and integrate sound elements that enhance the narrative, combining field recording, Foley, and library sound effects to create an immersive and cohesive soundtrack. Dialogue should be edited for clarity using noise reduction, equalisation, compression, and de-essing, with automated dialogue replacement (ADR) synchronised where necessary. Synthesis, digital signal processing (DSP), and layering techniques should be applied to shape textures, create movement, and enhance emotional impact. Transitions should be reinforced with whooshes, risers, and stingers, ensuring smooth progression between scenes. All elements must be precisely synchronised, spatially positioned, and dynamically balanced within the final mix.Re-RecordingAll stems must be professionally mixed into a stereo master, making full use of stereo imaging, spatial positioning, depth, and perspective to enhance the clarity and impact of the final soundtrack. Processing techniques such as equalisation, dynamic control, and reverberation must be used effectively to achieve a balanced and engaging mix. Production notes must detail session management, routing, and mix decisions to demonstrate a clear and professional workflow. Tracks should be grouped logically, with automation and dynamic processing used effectively to maintain clarity and ensure the soundtrack evolves in alignment with the narrative.Listeners’ EvaluationStudents must conduct a one thousand-word evaluation based on feedback from at least two non-trained listeners, analysing how effectively the sound design enhances the film. This evaluation should assess intelligibility, tonal balance, spatial balance, dynamic range, clarity, and emotional impact, with attention given to how well the sound supports narrative comprehension and audience engagement. Rather than presenting listener feedback as standalone comments, students should synthesise responses into a structured analysis, identifying key strengths and areas for refinement. Comparisons to industry standards within the film’s genre may help contextualise the findings.Personal EvaluationStudents must complete a structured self-assessment using the feedback form, critically reflecting on their submission in terms of technical execution, creative decision-making, and narrative effectiveness. This evaluation should not repeat production notes but instead focus on how successfully the final work meets professional expectations. Both strengths and areas for improvement must be discussed, with particular attention to whether the sound design aligned with the initial concept and audience reception. Reflection should include an assessment of time management, workflow efficiency, and adaptability throughout the project, ensuring realistic self-appraisal and professional growth.This assessment ensures students engage with the entire sound design process, from planning to final delivery, developing both technical proficiency and critical awareness in professional audio post-production. |