Sound Design with Sound Effects - TFT00129M
- Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
-
Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2025-26
Module summary
This module explores sound effects, those sounds we create by bringing objects and materials to the microphone, generating source material for unique visual and sonic worlds. It also explores what is effective about sound, drawing on theories of listening and sonic experience to examine how sound can deliver narrative, atmosphere and feel to a listener. We will explore early sound effects designs that originate in theatre performance, Foley practice for film, and new digital tools for sound design that model material interactions.
Related modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
- To develop an understanding of sound effects creation and their use across media
- To critically explore creative soundmaking practices based on objects and material interactions
- To provide a structure for exploring how the material and digital come together in effective sound design
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key techniques of sound effects creation, including using objects and materials, performance, recording and editing
- Engage critically with theoretical approaches to sound design and sonic experience across media
- Demonstrate an understanding of the origins of sound effects technique how it has developed to the present day
- Appreciate how creative soundmaking methods might change as technologies develop
- Be confident in exploring new digital tools for sound generation that model object and material interactions
- Support creative and technical output with appropriate documentation and critical reflection
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
- Augoyard, J.F. and Torgue, H. eds., 2006. Sonic experience: a guide to everyday sounds. McGill-Queen's Press-MQUP.
- Ament, V.T., 2014. The Foley grail: The art of performing sound for film, games, and animation. Routledge.
- Chion, M., 2019. Audio-vision: sound on screen. Columbia University Press.
- Collins, K., 2013. Playing with sound: a theory of interacting with sound and music in video games. MIT press.
- Franinovic, K. and Serafin, S. eds., 2013. Sonic interaction design. MIT Press.
- Pauletto, S., 2022. Foley performance and sonic implicit interactions. The Body in Sound, Music and Performance: Studies in Audio and Sonic Arts (pp. 265-278). Focal Press.
- Viers, R., 2008. The sound effects bible: how to create and record Hollywood style sound effects.
- Wright, B., 2014. Footsteps with character: the art and craft of Foley. Screen, 55(2), pp.204-220.