Sound

In the early days, cinema consisted solely of silent films. Over time, sound was introduced and viewers could hear the dialogue of the actors. But is sound only as good as its words?

No, sound in cinema is also made up of sound effects and sound effects, which are also very important in short films. The cinematic universe would be almost meaningless without these precious sound effects, which are part of the final cut of the film. So let’s tell you a little more about these special sounds.

Sound effects: the real issues

Realism and sound effects

Why are sound effects so essential in the world of film, video games and video in general? What are their objectives? The main aim of sound effects is to create an impression of realism.

In addition to the image, if the sound effects are perfectly executed, the viewer will feel as if they are in an almost everyday scene, for example. Sound effects are present throughout the video and in every sequence. They are an integral part of the plot and all the actions linked to it.

The royalty-free sound effects offered by numerous online sound banks are therefore often used to add even more value to a short film, but also to video games.

Who does the sound effects?

Is there someone in charge of sound effects? The answer is yes, and it’s even a job in its own right: that of professional sound effects designer. This person is usually in the background, but is one of the most renowned and important professions in a film.

The noisemaker’s work is generally done during the editing of the short film, after all the shooting has been completed. All the recorded sounds are then added in a sound effects studio or laboratory. The sound effects technician needs a space of his own (sound effects workshop) and to view the videos and images in order to create perfect sound effects. The sound effects technician is therefore a true craftsman in the world of cinema and, more broadly, video (commercials, corporate films, etc.).

Sound effects and image

So what is the relationship between sound effects and the basic image in the script?

There is a real correlation between the two since, of course, a sound effect does not exist without its image. Similarly, an image without sound effects is meaningless. These two media must therefore be produced in perfect synchronicity.

For example, a sequence showing a waterfall: the water foley linked to this waterfall must be produced at the precise moment when the water hits the ground. This is a meticulous element that takes a few seconds to work out. The foley then fully accompanies the basic image and there is a strong link between the two.

The effects of sound effects

What are the effects of these particular but realistic sound effects?

Through the sounds related in a sound effect, the film viewer is given more information about a specific material or element, such as rain, for example, or moving objects such as a car, bus or bicycle.

The sound effects are there to help the viewer understand the plot, and thus highlight the atmosphere intended by the director. Through sound effects, the viewer is immersed in an atmosphere through a sense other than sight: hearing.

How are sound effects created?

Have you ever wondered how to make a thunderous sound? How do you make the sound of wind, a firecracker or water?

It’s the fruit of years of experience, talent and imagination that make it possible to reproduce the little sounds of everyday life.

So how do sound engineers manage to create real noises? What do they use to create this realism in a short film? Quite simply, in their sound effects workshop they have a whole range of accessories that enable them to produce one or more sounds.

In fact, several objects make up a final sound using various techniques such as squeaking, pulling, pushing and squealing. This is what we call manual sound effects.

The sound effects are produced in real time: the sound engineers concentrate on getting into the mood of the film, in front of the screen, while the sound engineer records the sound effects directly on his mixing desk.

However, sound effects can also be digital, such as those creating an explosion. These are royalty-free sound effects, usually available in MP3 format.

How can I make sound effects with objects?

Generally speaking, a professional sound effects designer uses objects to carry out his work. Let’s take a look at some concrete examples.

For example, to imitate the sound of fire, the noisemaker will take a rather worn cassette tape and just rub it. The sound will then be similar to the crackling of fire.

Similarly, rain can be imitated by using a plastic bottle filled with dry peas.

A small explosion can also be created by folding an A4 sheet of paper neatly and throwing it into the air to make the desired noise. Sometimes certain objects make their own noise (like a plate), but more often it’s other objects that produce a relatively different noise.

Other noises will be made with the mouth, such as those related to music or objects that only exist if you blow into them.

The job of noise maker is not an easy one, requiring skill, attention to detail and patience.

A closer look at the most common sound effects used in films

Let’s take a closer look at the world of cinema. Certain sound effects can be found in every film, because they are, for example, part of scenes from everyday life. For this reason, the best-known sound effects are those associated with a meal, where the viewer can hear the sounds of cutlery or a person chewing. Other sounds are relatively common, such as thunder or birds flying.

In conclusion, sound effects are an integral part of the world of cinema. There are a thousand and one ways of creating sound. A film would not exist without the addition of these sounds, which make cinema even more exciting and real.

These cinematic sound effects are nothing more than imitations, but they really help the viewer to understand the film. So the next time you watch a short film, pay more attention to the sound effects that make up a scene, for example, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their general appeal.

In cinema, all sound effects have their place and their role to play!