MI4005 - Sound and Post Production 1

You will learn about the subject through lectures and technical demonstrations

The lectures and technical sessions will enable the tutor to discuss the key components of sound and post, in this context. Technical demonstrators will introduce you to the basic technology of sound and post production.

The technical sessions will be structured to reflect the core issues and themes of the module. Your tutor will frame the content of each session and outline the aim and outcomes. Tutors begin the sessions by outlining clear parameters, defining the considerations that will enable you to develop your practical work while also developing a critical understanding of principles needed to deliver effective productions. Every module is underpinned by a strong conceptual foundation. The module aims to help you to develop your skills by applying those critical concepts to your own practice. The sessions help to guide you through that development by offering formative feedback as you work through the materials and processes. Guided project work creates an experiential environment on which tutors offer insight.

Outside of the taught sessions, you will be expected to engage with module-relevant reading in preparation for the sessions. An electronic reading list is supplied via the e-Learning Portal, which will guide you towards appropriate resources, although you are encouraged to explore the wider library catalogue to engage with additional sources too. During your independent working time, it is also expected that you will apply the ideas raised in the reading and the taught content to film examples of your own choosing (reflecting your individual interests), and to your own practice.

Lecture materials, seminar guidelines and module information will be placed upon the e-Learning Portal.

Developing the precise technical skills to deliver film and TV projects must be placed in a contextual and creative framework in order to add value to your learning, and the lecture/workshop delivery of this module is designed to do this. An Avid (video and audio production technology) test, following in depth technical training, gives you the confidence to operate editing platforms expertly while the lectures provide you with the considerations, approaches and philosophy that underpin best practice in the subject area. In testing you individually, you are prepared for deeper engagement with editing platforms.

The ‘soundscape’ project approaches the world of audio through workshops in the science of sound and basic recording and mixing. This is a creative project contextualised through lectures and you will receive verbal feedback as you perform exercises in the workshops and in discussion about the ‘soundscape’ production. There will be the opportunity to present a draft version of your projects for peer review and formative feedback in class.

You will then receive written feedback on your final summative submissions which will detail areas that could be improved in future work. You will also be offered the opportunity to receive further verbal feedback, following this formal assessment, so that they can follow up any concerns you have regarding your critical development and future learning. Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support. Guidance tutorials also provide opportunities for students to discuss, in confidence, their academic progress on the programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Understand the basic key components that make up sound and post production practice

2. Understand the creative and critical context of sound and post production practice

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Show how creative and critical contexts underpin practice in the production of the ‘soundscape’.

4. Evidence technical skills in performing industry standard operation of the Avid platform including audio recording and mixing skills

5. Develop confidence in dealing with sound and post production technology to explore ideas

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Summative assessments will test skills of post production operation, sound recording and basic mixing as well as creative and critical understanding of the place of sound in creating imaginative sonic environments without image – all MLOs.

The post production skills are measured with a technical operation exam (1 hour) worth 40%. This in class test is modelled on the Avid Certification test and prepares you to go on to take the exam to achieve Avid Certification - MLOs 1, 3 and 4.

The sound skills are measured through the delivery of a practical portfolio of work in the form of a ‘soundscape’ incorporating the recording of sound giving objects and sound effects into a manipulated timeline to create ‘atmosphere’ in answer to a brief worth 60% - all MLOs addressed here.

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Sound is the ‘Cinderella of Filmmaking’, often neglected and left as an afterthought - but it can be up to 70% of our experience of Film and TV productions. Francis Ford Coppola says that ‘The essence of cinema is editing…images put together in a kind of alchemy’ and here you are introduced to the considerations and definitions that surround sound and post production. You will explore the place of sound in your understanding as a creative tool, as well as one that needs to be technically precise. You will be introduced to Avid non-linear editing, by certified instructors, in preparation for you to gain the Avid certificate. This module lays the sound and post foundation and you will gain competencies and confidence in dealing with this essential part of making great films and TV productions.