Project 3

Movies depend so much on rhythm, they are so close to music . . . If the sound, and the rhythm of the sound, is wrong, no image can save it . . . I believe sound is the first human sense, not the eye. I think the first theater was a story told by a storyteller, and it’s the voice.

–Orson Welles–

Client Project

A. Topic – For Writing 3, you prepared preproduction materials for a promotional short. For this project, you will work in a group that will decide as a team which projects will be made into motion pictures.

1. As with Project 2, you will work in assigned teams.
2. Please follow the same role and cinema guidelines that are given with Project 2. You will present your plans and your group will work to a consensus to approve a proposal.
3. You will have 3 weeks total for this project.
4. Approval – All shorts must be approved by your clients, the instructor, and individuals in charge of the topic of the promo.

B. Sound – Devise a sound design for this project, considering the following:

1. Music – Is there music that exists within the scene? Is there a soundtrack for the film outside of the characters’ perspective? Can music be used to help set tone, establish style, and accent or contrast the drama or comedy of the scene?
2. Sound Effects – Noises should be integrated into the script of the scene and can be at the core of the conflicts in the narrative. The film should include sound that is clearly recorded during production and eff ects that are recorded and added to the mix during post-production.
3. Dialogue – The script should include dialogue or voiceover or off -screen lines.
4. Structure – Consider all of the elements above when planning the commercial.
   • a. Opening – How is sound used to help set a tone and establish a message?
   • b. Narrative – How can sound be used to serve the story of the commercial? Can it help to establish pace, whether slow, regular, or fast? Can it advance important moments in the film?
   • c. End – What sound elements can be used to help to bring a resolution? Are they comic? Dramatic? Are they loud or quiet? Abrupt or flowing?

C. Final preparations – As a group, create lists and schedules for the production:

1. Locations noted scene by scene
2. Personnel necessary for filming, including direction, camera, sound, and editing
3. Actors and extras necessary for each scene, including group members

D. Guidelines

1. The short sequences should last between 30 to120 seconds (2 minutes).
2. Editing – the film must display clear choices of editing, including:
   • a. Lack of “dead space” in edits (unless for clear dramatic or comic reasons)
   • b. Music, if used, should be employed intentionally and purposefully
   • c. Titles used if appropriate during the body of promo, or added after a brief separation, such as black space
3. Photography – the film must show attention to visual quality, including:
   • a. Focus must be consistently sharp.
   • b. Framings should be appropriate to shots and scenes— watch for head room and wasted space, unless present by design.
   • c. Demonstration of compelling choice of color and/or contrasts
4. Evaluation – All shorts will be evaluated according to the objectives agreed upon by the creators of the promo and the rubrics set up by class or client.

—Adapted from Moving Images

• Saved: 3-Sound and Image