The clash of light sabers in the electrifying duels of Star Wars. The chilling bass line signifying the lurking menace of the shark in Jaws. The otherworldly yet familiar pleas to “go home” in the enchanting E.T.
These are examples of the many different ways in which sound can contribute to the overall dramatic impact of a film. Sound design is as important as art direction and cinematography when it comes to crafting a distinctive atmosphere for your film and it can also be an effective tool in expressing the personalities of your characters.
In addition to introducing basic theory and analyses of examples of well-known films, this groundbreaking book shows you how to use music, dialogue and sound effects to provoke an emotional reaction from your audience.
Interactive, simple exercises nurture your creative ability to hear and compose the most effective sounds to express the story and how to seamlessly integrate them with all the other cinematic elements.
User-friendly and rewarding for producers, directors, writers, editors, musicians, composers and sound technicians of every level, as well as students of cinema.
What people say
“The need for such a book is great indeed, fulfilled in this obviously heartfelt project.”
Gary Rydstrom,
Academy award winning sound designer: Terminator 2, Titantic, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan
“Here is a book of enormous merit that should prove useful not only to sound editors but to all film artists and, indeed, anyone who cherishes a good movie.”
Richard Walter,
Chairman UCLA Screenwriting Dept.
“A comprehensive guide that any sound professional can’t live without.”
George Watters II,
Supervising Sound Editor: Pearl Harbor, The Hunt for Red October, The Rock, Naked Gun 2