Course Title: Implement sound designs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: VART5094C

Course Title: Implement sound designs

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Nat Bates

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

C6151 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and Television Production)

Mark Johnson
mark.johnson3@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 4815

C6151IM Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Interactive

Nat Bates
nat.bates@rmit.edu.au

ph: 9925 3326

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to implement a design for any productions requiring sound.

It applies to individuals with a thorough understanding of a wide range of sound equipment and sound effects, along with the ability to work creatively and collaboratively with others, including sound mixers, sound editors and other studio technicians. The ability to solve problems that arise in the context of implementing sound designs is essential.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUASOU505 Implement sound designs

Element:

1. Confirm sound design specifications

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Consult relevant people to confirm sound design specifications meet production requirements

1.2 Identify and confirm people needed to meet production requirements

1.3 Confirm content, quality and duration of sound components

1.4 Research copyright requirements to confirm sound design will comply with legislation

1.5 Liaise with relevant people to consider and incorporate additional or changed production requirements and new ideas as required

Element:

2. Implement sound design

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Devise or obtain sound components to meet sound design specifications

2.2 Record sound effects as required

2.3 Manipulate sound components to achieve desired sonic finish and style

2.4 Identify changes required, seek feedback from relevant people about work in progress, and modify as required

2.5 Direct, advise and assist technical staff as required

2.6 Save master copy of sound design recording in required format for playback media

2.7 Make backup copies of sound design recording in line with production requirements and organisational procedures

Element:

3. Finalise operations

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Prepare and update production documentation as required

3.2 Label, log and store recorded masters, version copies and backups according to production requirements and organisational procedures

3.3 Evaluate implementation of sound design specifications in consultation with relevant personnel

3.4 Evaluate own performance, and note areas for improvement

3.5 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required

3.6 Document evaluation outcomes according to organisational procedures


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to understand, participate in, and implement various stages of sound production and sound design implementation for screen based media.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT


Teaching Schedule

This course is delivered into two separate programs:

c6151 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

c6151IM Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Interactive Media.

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Teaching Schedule - C6151 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and Television Production)

Week

Class Content

Assessment

1

 

 

• Overview of the course, assessment and tools

• Basic sound design ideology including editing music for storytelling and “Acoustic gap”

• Brief Introduction to Audition focusing on audio editing.

• Explanation/discussion of the 3 main audio compartments for onscreen sound-
Dialogue, Music and Sound Effects.

• Present a video clip with no sound for students to copy and practice sound design implementation.

-Importance of Acoustics when recording Sound Fx/Foley.

 

 

 

 Receive Assessment Task.

 

Assessment Task 1 - knowledge task

 

 

 

 

2

 

 Assessment Task 1: Sound Design Questionnaire

• Explanation of the five main types of Sound FX in the film world;

  • Hard Effects
  • Foley Sound
  • Background Effects
  • Electronic effects-Production elements
  • Sound Design effects

• Explanation of correct microphones and techniques used for recording atmospheres and ambiences

• Continue familiarisation with Audition for audio editing.

 

 

 

 

Assessment 1

Sound Design

Questionaire-30 minutes duration

 

3

 

 

• Recording Background sound and atmospheres and ambiences, techniques and procedures.

• Re-iterate/reinforce importance of eliminating “acoustic gap”

• Importance of correct file logging and copying with emphasis on file descriptions and versions (V1-V2-near mic-far mic etc)

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

• Offscreen sound and implementation of various atmosphere, ambience and background sounds for dynamic filming.  Use of sound in continuous shots/scenes in multiple rooms-areas.

 

• Discuss-re-iterate ”acoustic gap” and importance of matching atmospheres and ambience for shifting camera perspectives.

-Introduction of performing and recording Foley and Voice for a screen edit.

Foley to screen practice.

• Discussion and practice; collation of Sound effects sourcing and or recording for screen edit.

 

• Discussion and practice-collation of appropriate music or musical sound design for screen edit.

 

 

 

In class examples. Students research scenes and explain sound design techniques in simple presentations

5

 

• Foley to screen practice and re-iteration.

• Audition intensive session covering demonstrations of its editing features and layering techniques.

 

Submit Assessment Task.

 

Assessment Task 1 Due

6

•Foley recording exercise.

Introduction to Assessment Task 2

Understanding routing in Adobe Audition.  BUS tracks and Effects sends

 

Receive Assessment Task.

 

Assessment Task 2 - practical task

7

•Dialogue to Screen exercise

• Discuss and explain requirements and techniques ideas required to complete assessment. Assessment can be done in class(preferred)or outside or both.

 

 

8

 

• Review of Assessment task 2 work-discussion.

• Focus on work done so far and how it applies to final assessment(project)

• Discuss the importance of Logging all sound files

• Introduction to setting up a final mix with all elements in software.

CUE sheets, sound spotting

 

 

9

 

• Continuation of final mixdown in software.

• Emphasis on correct/useful implementation of Equalisation, Compression, Fade in/out,looping and layering.

• Discuss limitations of Premiere Pro as it pertains to flexible audio editing.(i.e.: it is a Video editor not audio so make sure all thematic and artistic decisions are final before final mixdown begins in Premiere Pro.

• workshop Audition and dynamic link with Premiere

 

 

 

 

10

Creation of Cinematic textures with enhanced Sound design techniques.  Use of existing libraries.  Further exercises on layering sound to create atmospheres.

Assessment Task 2

Final mixdown of

Dialogue, Sound Fx and

Atmosphere/Ambience Rolling assessment.

 

11

Assessment Task 2

• Discuss, consult, suggest-reiterate and reinforce all previous learning for successful completion of Final Mixdown.

 

Assessment Task 2
continued

12

Techniques of mixing 5:1 sound.  How to set up workspace.  How to mix audio for different channels.

Assessment Task 2
continued

13

Continue working on Assessment Task 2

Assessment Task 2
continued

 

14

Channel separation.  Further equalisation and compression.  Mastering audio.  Further discussions on metering and Loudness units

 

Assessment Task 2
continued

15

Assessment Task 2:  Finalisation and submission.

• Finalise mix and submit completed work to Canvas.

 

Assessment Task 2
Submission

16

In class review of Assessment 2

 

 

 

Teaching Schedule - C6151IM Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Interactive.

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1

Introduction and sound knowledge.

Introduce - AT1 Sound knowledge quiz Due week 4

 
Week 2

Music 1 – sourced music for screen content incl editing music for storytelling

Class workshop -  introduction to music editing

Introduce - AT2 Music and offscreen sound Due week 5

 
Week 3

Music 2 – scoring for screen content

Class workshop - exploring music editing further

 

AT2 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

 

Week 4

Atmos/background sound - big world sound

Class workshop - stereo recording

 

AT2 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

AT1 Sound knowledge quiz due

Week 5

AT1 review and feedback.

Offscreen sound - sound beyond the frame

Class workshop - editing audio around the picture (J cuts and L cuts)

 

AT2 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

AT2 Music and offscreen sound due

Week 6

AT2 review and project feedback.

 

Foley 1 - performing sound for screen content

Class workshop - matching live foley performance to a screen edit

 

Introduce - AT3 Voice and foley Due week 9

 

Week 7

Foley 2 - editing and transforming foley

Class workshop - cutting sound and applying appropriate effects

 

AT3 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 8

Voice 1 - voiceover to picture

Class workshop - recording voiceover and editing dialogue

 

AT3 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 9

Voice 2 - ADR (additional dialogue replacement)

Class workshop - dubbing voices over picture

 

AT3 (WIP) Work in Progress review

AT3 Voice and foley due

Week 10

AT3 review and project feedback.

 

Mixing 1 - layout and automation

Class workshop - setting up a mix in the software

 

Introduce - AT4 Final mix Due week 16

 

Week 11

Mixing 2 - compression and mixdown
Class workshop - finalising a mix in the software

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 12

Production workshop 1

Class workshop - recording on location

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 13

Production workshop 2

Class workshop - dialogue editing and ADR

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 14

Production workshop 3

Class workshop - adding atmosphere and music

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 15

Production workshop 4

Class workshop - adding sound effects

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

 

Week 16

Production workshop 5

Class workshop - mixing

 

AT4 (WIP) Work in Progress review

AT4 Final mix due

Week 17

Scheduled review and feedback of all assessments

 

For the course guide and overview of assessments go to myRMIT / my Studies, click on the link to the course VART5094C Implement sound designs. You will be redirected to the program Canvas shell for this course. Should you have any further queries, please speak to your teacher, or Program Manager.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

N/A


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.

You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include class based practical exercises and project work undertaken in the computer lab for submission.


Assessment Tasks

This course is delivered into two separate programs:

c6151 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

c6151IM Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Interactive Media.

Assessment Tasks - C6151 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, Film and Television Production

For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements.

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments.

Assessment Task 1 - Knowledge Assessment Task.This assessment is a short-answer knowledge assessment designed to assess your ability to research key factors of sound design, understand copyright legislation and understand acoustic principles of sound design. Due Date: week 5

Assessment Task 2 - Short Film Major Project. For this task, you are required to assemble edit and mix the three main streams of film sound (1-dialogue, 2-sound fx/foley/atmospheres, 3-music/soundtrack) for your short film in a post-production sound design and editing capacity. Due Date: week 15

Assessment tasks 1 and 2 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 2 Week 16.

 

Assessment Tasks - C6151IM Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Interactive.

For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements.

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments.

Assessment Task 1 - AT1 Sound knowledge quiz.This assessment is a short-answer knowledge assessment designed to assess your ability to research key factors of sound design, understand copyright legislation and understand acoustic principles of sound design. Due Date: week 4

Assessment Task 2 - AT2 Music and offscreen sound. For this task, you are to implement sound for a screen production following the provided sound design for music and offscreen sound. Due Date: week 5

Assessment Task 3 - AT3 Voice and foley. For this task, you are to implement sound for a screen production following the provided sound design for voice and foley. Due Date: week 9

Assessment Task 4 - AT4 Final mix. For this task, you are to implement sound for a screen production following the provided sound design for a complete soundtrack. Due Date: week 16

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not submit for Assessment

 

 

 

 

 

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters:

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

 

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview