Recording Sound Effects (page 2)
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Once you've recorded your sound effects and dumped them into the computer, you need to mold them on your timeline. First, we find the perfect version of each sound. Next, let's drop the stereo ambience on the timeline to establish the feel of the scene. The recording of the woods should enhance the feel without overpowering the dialog. Adjust the volume with track sliders or rubber bands to create the right balance. Now we'll add the car noises. Scrub the timeline to the point where Rhonda opens the car door. Add that sound effect on its own track and then do the same for the car door slam, nudging each sound until it matches the action perfectly. For the drive off, we'll do the same thing, but add a keyframed pan to the mix. The car drives from right to left, so set a keyframe at the beginning of the clip and adjust the pan 50% right. Now, go to the end of the clip, set another keyframe and adjust the pan for 50% left. Tweak for maximum effect.
We've saved the footsteps for last since they're the most difficult. Play the scene and count how many footsteps you'll need. If the feet aren't in the shot, watch for body movement to determine their locations. Drop a variety of left footfall sound effects on one audio track and then add the right footfalls on another. Slide the sound effects around until you've created a convincing walking sound. If necessary, mute the other audio tracks to improve clarity as you're editing. To help with timing, it may be possible to reference the dialog track for actual footfalls. Once you're happy with the edit, play it a few times, listening for balance and realism. The sound effects should enhance the scene rather than call attention to themselves.
Lock That Mix
Now, it's up to you to experiment with these techniques on your own projects. Adding your own sound effects to a video is a creatively rewarding process. It's extra work, but you'll gain valuable experience and a newfound respect for the SFX wizards who share their creativity on the big screen.
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
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I recently worked on an independent movie called Breaking Ten. As the sole tech guy, I was responsible for shooting, lighting and audio. Working on tight schedules barely got some scenes shot, so I had to return later to record sound effects. Unfortunately, it was many months later and now the restaurant was out of business, the field with all the crickets had been mowed, and the creek was much lower than the day of the shoot. I know better. Lesson learned: save yourself time, gas and stress by recording sound effects while on location.
