Course Title: Compile music for soundtracks

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: VART6472C

Course Title: Compile music for soundtracks

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

Course Contact: Rebekha Naim

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254815

Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 35

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply knowledge of music styles to music industry work and learning. 

It introduces the student to critical listening skills, which can be applied to the range of tasks undertaken by the sound engineer/producer.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUASOU507 Compile music for soundtracks

Element:

1. Confirm scope of soundtrack project

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm production values and expectations with relevant people

1.2 Confirm role of all people involved in soundtrack project, including own role

1.3 Identify factors that may affect soundtrack project and plan accordingly

Element:

2. Determine technical and musical requirements

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Confirm studio arrangements to ensure resources are sufficient to meet agreed technical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements

2.2 Obtain shot list and music components for soundtrack, and map musical events and duration to film shots

2.3 Identify specific equipment to produce required music score in line with shot list

2.4 Confirm specific equipment will be available to meet production requirements

2.5 Clarify music component sources and confirm availability in line with production schedules

Element:

3. Compile soundtracks for moving image sequences

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify moving image sequences that require theme, incidental or other music

3.2 Establish routines for viewing, assessing and discussing shot material with director and film editor

3.3 Source, secure and prepare music components for soundtrack, and confirm copyright requirements are met

3.4 Use safe work practices to monitor acoustic quality of soundtrack to achieve required sound

3.5 Seek feedback from relevant people about work in progress, and modify as required

Element:

4. Synchronise music components of soundtracks to moving image sequences

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify correct frame rate for video or film to ensure synchronisation between sound and images

4.2 Match music components to screen images or sequences

4.3 Confirm quality of music components aligns with overall production concept and style

4.4 Modify settings or sound quality of music components in soundtracks according to feedback and other sound elements, as required

4.5 Listen critically to timing, sequencing, sound quality and element integration to confirm integrity of soundtracks

4.6 Present completed soundtrack to relevant people in line with production requirements

Element:

5. Evaluate work

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Evaluate process of compiling music for a soundtrack in consultation with relevant personnel

5.2 Evaluate quality and success of music soundtrack against production requirements and planned outcomes

5.3 Evaluate own role, and note areas for improvement

5.4 Compare work against previous compositions to assess innovation and development of techniques and ideas

5.5 Document evaluation outcomes and use results to improve own work practices

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be have the knowledge and skills to effectively work as a music producer and or engineer, working with clients across a number of musical genres.


Details of Learning Activities

The course is delivered in face-to-face classes.

This subject is designed for you to develop the skills and knowledge required to integrate musical elements into soundtracks for screen productions.

It applies to individuals who select, produce and record music soundtracks for a range of screen productions, in collaboration with composers, music supervisors, screen producers and/or directors.

 

The classes will be conducted in computer labs, on Mac platform running Pro Tools and Logic Pro software.

We look forward to you joining us into the abyss that is the world of Music Production for Screen. 

 


Teaching Schedule

Course Teaching Schedule

 

CLASS TOPIC CONTENT ASSESSMENTS PRACS LECTURER LOCATION
Week 1 INTRO Introduction     Andrew / John Lab
Look at unit    
DIscussion of schedule ANALSIS  
Look at Assessment Videos commences  
     
     
Week 2 VIDEO IN AUDIO APPS Assessment requirements     John Lab
Rubrics    
Video in Audio Apps    
Video Apps    
Video importing in Logic    
Working to video in Logic    
Week 3 CLIENT BRIEFS Lecture / Tutorial     Andrew Lab
Spotting sessions MINORITY  
Client Briefs REPORT  
* Tempo Spotting session  
* Temp Tracks    
* Markers    
Week 4 THE SPOTTING SESSION       Andrew Lab
The role of the composer    
  Due:  
  ANALYSIS  
     
     
Week 5 COMPOSING FOR FILM Look @ "Seidler" process:     John Lab
* Client brief / Spotting    
* Temp Tracks    
* Production / Recording    
* Delivery / Synch    
* Soundfirm    
Week 6 THE PRODUCTION PROCESS Process overall:     Andrew Lab
Production crews    
Production strategies    
Compression    
     
     
Week 7 THE SPOTTING SESSION Process overall:     Andrew Lab
Production crews    
Production strategies CHIVAS  
Compression Spotting session  
     
     
Week 8 PRODUCTION       John Lab
Production Due:  
Production Strategies MINORITY  
Compression REPORT  
     
     
Week 9 VIDEO IN AUDIO APPS: PRAC Review wk 2:     John Lab
Video in Audio Apps   Import video
Video Apps   Import sounds
Video importing in Logic   Bounce video
Working to video in Logic    
File transfers / delivery:   Upload videos
Week 10 VIDEO IN AUDIO APPS: PRAC       John Lab
 Client breif    
 "ALLEY" project  ALLEY  
   Commences  
Genre Analysis    
     
Week 11 PRAC WORK ON PROJECTS       Andrew Lab
     
     
     
     
     
Week 12 PRAC WORK ON PROJECTS       John Lab
     
  Due:  
  CHIVAS  
     
     
Week 13 PRAC WORK ON PROJECTS       Andrew Lab
     
     
     
     
     
Week 14 PRAC WORK ON PROJECTS Complete and review     John Lab
"ALLEY" submissions    
  Due:  
  ALLEY  
     
     
Week 15 ASSESSMENT / REVIEW       Andrew Lab
     
     
     
     
     
Week 16 ASSESSMENT / REVIEW       Andrew Lab
  Due:  
  Review  
     
     
     

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Please supply closed headphones and data storage, EG USB drive.

 

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be based around in class and out of class listening tests (formative assessments), and practical music production work undertaken outside of class time (summative assessment).

You will evidence the ability to:

  • hear and identify basic music structures
  • use music terminology applicable to the music structures and styles
  • demonstrate aural recognition
  • integrate feedback from others into evaluation of own aural skill development.

Assessment will be made through practical project application and listening / knowledge tests.

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1 - Analysis

       

Task Number

 1 of 5

Task Name

Music in film analysis

National unit/s code

CUASOU507

National unit/s title

Compile Music for Soundtracks

National qualification code

CUA50815

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

This assessment is designed to allow you to explore the relationship between film and music in a scene off a commercially released film.

Task instructions

You will present a short study paper, where you review the music choices and placement in a scene or entire film of your choice. You will write about the relationship between music and the film, and explain your thoughts on why the music used was chosen.

 

Conditions for assessment

You will be introduced to this topic in class week 1, and have until week 4 to complete it.

Instructions on submitting supporting material (if required)

Submit text document into Canvas.

We recommend uploading PDF files. If this is not possible then perhaps a Word document. We cannot guarantee the compatibility of other formats.

Criteria for assessment

Your submission will be approximately 500  words or more, and you will present a short study paper, where you review the music choices and placement in a scene or entire film of your choice. You will write about the relationship between music and the film, and explain your thoughts on why the music used was chosen.

 

 

 

 

Assessment 2 - MINORITY REPORT

     

Task Number

 2 of 5

Task Name

Minority Report

National unit/s code

CUASOU507

National unit/s title

Compile Music for Soundtracks

National ualification code

CUA50815

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

You will provide music placement for a section of a film, specifically following requests outlined in a supplied client brief.

Task instructions

Assessment Task 2: MINORITY REPORT MUSIC SOURCING AND PLACEMENT
(Graded Assessment )
Due: Class 8

  • Download the Quicktime filePlay media comment.
  • Create a new project in Logic Pro X
  • Go to File/Project Settings/Synchronisation, and ensure frame rate is set to 25fps.
  • Go to File/Project Settings/Audio, and ensure sample rate is set to 48k.
  • Import your movie into your project - File/Movie/Open Movie
  • Adjust the tempo of the project to 90bpm.Play media comment.
  • Place the audio files in an audio files folder.
  • You will be supplied with a VERBAL client brief on class 3
  • You will be supplied with text support of client brief located on Blackboard (noting that in an industry context attending the client brief is essential)
  • In the client brief, you will be supplied with a series of requests to complete the musical soundtrack to the project. These will be in the form of mood, pace, and dynamic requests. These will be accompanied by specific time (code) references
  • You will be required to source music to conform to the requirements of the client brief
  • You will be required to lay in music, using appropriate software, and mix final video bounce containing all requested audio
  • You will be required to present your final video bounce by uploading to this Canvas shell
  • Assessment will be made through reviewing video bounce

  •  

  • Conditions for assessment

    You may complete the assessment on site utilising supplied computer lab machines with audio software, however some may choose to complete assessments off site if they have required equipment.

  • You will be supplied with computer labs including <Ac computers with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Ab;eton Live apps.

     

    Instructions on submitting assessments

    You will upload your completed Quicktime video bounce (from either Pro Tools or Logic Pro) to Canvas for assessment.

    Criteria for assessment

    Your completed uploaded video bounce should follow all requests within the "Client Brief". The client brief is delivered both verbally i class and supported by online posting in Canvas announcements. However we strongly encourage your attendance at the verbal delivery session. The Client Brief is a key part of commercial Sound Design process, and is also a critical assessment requirement for the unit. In industry your attendance would be mandatory.

 

 

 

Assessment 3 - CHIVAS

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Task Number

 3 of 5

Task Name

Chivas

National unit/s code

CUASOU507

National unit/s title

Compile Music for Soundtracks

National Qualification code

CUA50815

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

You will provide music placement for a section of a film, specifically following requests outlined in a supplied client brief.

Task instructions

 

Assignment Brief

You will provide the entire soundtrack for a short segment of a commercial release television advertisement This document will be supported by a face-to-face in class client briefing.

  • Download the Quicktime file
  •  If using Pro Tools (Pro Tools doesn't recognise the .m4v format.)
  • Go to File/Project Settings/Synchronisation, and ensure frame rate is set to 25fps
  • Go to File/Project Settings/Audio, and ensure sample rate is set to 48k.
  • Import your movie into your project - File/Movie/Open Movie
  • Written brief, and as discussed in class:

    This assignment is designed for students to make their own soundtrack, in whatever way they choose - either to assemble a soundtrack with production music, or with licensed music they’ve sourced, or to write their own material. For this assignment, no audio components have been supplied. It’s up to you!

    The 45 second television commercial (TVC) follows three thirty-something guys on a journey, somewhere in the foothills of the Himalayas.

    It follows the same dynamic that I’ve been talking about throughout the course - the three act scenario that Joseph Campbell called the Hero’s Journey:

    Act 1. We meet the protagonists and their guides, on a long journey through a range of exotic landscapes. 

    Act 2. We hear something in the long grass, and one of the guys reacts. The party rush to get their gear together. We cut back and forth from the guy’s point of view, to the perspective of the tiger through the long grass. 

    We can see that the guys are assembling camera equipment. They’re pointing their cameras in the direction of the noise.

    All of a sudden, a tiger leaps into the air. The guys frame their subject and shoot. 

    We look through the viewfinder of one of the cameras, as the photographer frames his subject. We hear the click of his shutter.

    As the tiger runs off, the guys cannot believe what they’ve encountered.

    Act 3. Back at the camp, nighttime, and the guys and their guides, reflect on their day. The guys share a glass of Chivas. Cut to logo. As in Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, the guys have been transformed by their experience.

     

     

    If, for some reason, you’re not happy doing this commercial, I’ve supplied in Canvas, a Schweppes TVC that might interest you. 

    1. I’m hoping you will help those yellowish pictures from the long grass, in your soundtracks, to make the audience know that this is the tiger’s point of view. Is it a sound effect, or a more threatening musical idea?
    2. I would suggest building your soundtrack through Act 2, before dropping your soundtrack level to allow a simple vintage camera click be heard.
    3. As discussed in class, I’d leave the moment after the shooting of the tiger, in silence, or with some kind of change, as the guy’s reflect on their good fortune. 
    4. It might be possible to reprise your music from Act 1, in Act 3, although this time your soundtrack might have a more positive spirit (pun unintended, sorry bout that!)
    5. Don’t forget to make use of freesound.org (Links to an external site.) for sfx, or check out the BBC Sound Effects Library.

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed individually on the basis of:

  • Your ability to effectively record required sound effects and dialogue according to the

    “client brief”.

  • Your ability to compile, edit, synchronise & mix (balance) sound effects into an effective and realistic sounding audio track, according to supplied client brief / script.

  • Your ability to adequately present all requested files.

 

 

  • Conditions for assessment

    You may complete the assessment on site utilising supplied computer lab machines with audio software, however some may choose to complete assessments off site if they have required equipment.

  • You will be supplied with computer labs including  computers with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Ableton Live apps.

     

    Instructions on submitting assessments

    You will upload your completed Quicktime video bounce (from either Pro Tools or Logic Pro) to Canvas for assessment.

    Criteria for assessment

    Your completed uploaded video bounce should follow all requests within the "Client Brief". The client brief is delivered both verbally i class and supported by online posting in Canvas announcements. However we strongly encourage your attendance at the verbal delivery session. The Client Brief is a key part of commercial Sound Design process, and is also a critical assessment requirement for the unit. In industry your attendance would be mandatory.

 

 

 

Assessment 4 - ALLEY

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Task Number

 4 of 5

Task Name

Alley

National unit/s code

CUASOU507

National unit/s title

Compile Music for Soundtracks

National Qualification code

CUA50815

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

You will provide music placement for a section of a film, specifically following requests outlined in a supplied client brief.

Task instructions

"ALLEY" Animation music score

For this assessment you will be provided with a short (approx 2 mins) animation, and sound effects (foley) for the production.

You will be asked to provide music for the production according to requests laid out in "Client Brief". The "Client Brief" will outline requirements for each section of the animation including:

* Mood
* Pace
* Dynamics
* Tempo (approx)

These will be accompanied by time / time code references for synchronisation that must be adhered to.\.

The "Client Brief" will be supported by documents provided on Canvas, 

You will be supplied with supplied Sound Effects as synchronised / referenced audio files.

Your final submission will be a Quicktime / video file, uploaded to Canvas for assessment

NOTE - Assessment is made through review of Quicktime bounce

Due: Class 14

 

  • Conditions for assessment

    You may complete the asessment on site utilising supplied computer lab machines with audio software, however some may choose to complete assessments off site if they have required equipment.

  • You will be supplied with computer labs including computers with Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Ableton Live apps.

     

    Instructions on submitting assessments

    You will upload your completed Quicktime video bounce (from either Pro Tools or Logic Pro) to Canvas for assessment.

    Criteria for assessment

    Your completed uploaded video bounce should follow all requests within the "Client Brief". The client brief is delivered both verbally i class and supported by online posting in Canvas announcements. However we strongly encourage your attendance at the verbal delivery session. The Client Brief is a key part of commercial Sound Design process, and is also a critical assessment requirement for the unit. In industry your attendance would be mandatory.

    Feedback and grades

    Feedback on your assessment will be released via the Grades item in the left menu. You will be graded according to the assessment rubric below.

  • Grades for the unit are a combination of the three Sound Design productions

 

 

 

Assessment 4 - ALLEY

 

"ALLEY" Animation music score

For this assessment you will be provided with a short (approx 2 mins) animation, and sound effects (foley) for the production.

You will be asked to provide music for the production according to requests laid out in "Client Brief". The "Client Brief" will outline requirements for each section of the animation including:

* Mood
* Pace
* Dynamics
* Tempo (approx)

These will be accompanied by time / time code references for synchronisation that must be adhered to.\.

The "Client Brief" will be supported by documents provided on Canvas, 

You will be supplied with supplied Sound Effects as synchronised / referenced audio files.

Your final submission will be a Quicktime / video file, uploaded to Canvas for assessment

NOTE - Assessment is made through review of Quicktime bounce

Due: Class 14

 

ASSESSMENT TOOL BELOW:

 

ASSESSOR - PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK

Task Number

4 of 4

Task Name

Alley

National unit(s) code

CUASOU507

National unit(s) title

Compile music for soundtracks

National qualification code

CUA80515

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry 

(Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472C
 

  1. Assessment Information

Duration and/or due date

Commences: Class week 11

Due: Class Week 14

Task instructions


Summary and Purpose of Assessment

For this assessment you are required to supply the music for a short animated film.

You will be supplied with (A) Video file, (B) Sound effects (C) Script of required music cues, including timecode references, and (D) A face to face / verbal “Client Brief”.

Assessment Instructions to students

What

You are required to supply music for a short animated film, following supplied script and client brief.

You will be assessed on your ability to follow and adhere to the client brief, and realise the Client Brief requests.

The “Script” is included below in this document.

Where

The assessment commences in the computer lab, and time will be allowed there, however it is expected that you will need to use extra out of class time. You will be supplied with weekly additional time, and may utilise other RMIT resources. You may choose to complete some of the work out of RMIT facilities.

How

You will complete the project using DAW software of your choice. In labs you will be supplied with Pro-Tools, Logic Pro and Ableton Live, however assessment will be made from final bounce submission, made via Canvas.


PROJECT SCRIPT / CLIENT BRIEF SUMMARY


 

1) TITLE

00:00 – 00:14

White; TITLE; scribble


MUSIC:

MAIN THEME – POSITIVE UP-BEAT SUNNY DAY THEME – BUILDING /  INTRODUCED SPARSELY; STARTING WITH ONLY ONE OR TWO INSTRUMENTS, BUILDING AT TOWER. VERY SUBTLE HINT OF GHOST WHISPERERER AT SHOT OF ALLEY AFTER BALL KICK

EFFECTS:

SPARSE SOFT KIDS PLAYING, PEN SCRIBBLING, KICKING BALL, BALL BOUNCE, NARRATIVE CHEER

 

1b) STREET

00:14 – 00:37

Alley;  Clock tower & village;  Kids kicking ball down street; end on old man


MUSIC:

MAIN THEME CONTINUES; DEVELOPS TO FULL ARRANGEMENT THROUGH THIS SHOT. POSITIVE MAJOR KEY UP BEAT FEEL.

EFFECTS:

SPOOKY HINT (covered in music), KIDS RUNNING & PLAYING; RUNNING FEET

KICKING BALL ALONG STREET (inc. bounces), BALL BOUNCES, BIRDS, GENERAL VILLAGE ATMOS; (birds?) UNSEASONALLY SUNNY & WARM DAY;

CLOCK CHIMING (despite display), NOT AT ALL SUSPICIOUS MAN AT DOOR OF HOUSE “Huh?”

 

 

2 GHOST BOY – BALL STOPS

2a)

00:38 – 00:51

Ball to ghost feet; ghost boy on corner


MUSIC:

2a)

00:38 – 00:43

Ball to ghost feet; ghost boy on corner

RHYTHMIC ELEMENTS OF MUSIC STOP; TAIL OF MUSIC HANGS OVER THIS SECTION.

SENSE OF STILL, PAUSING, PENSIVE TENSION.

2b)

00:44 – 00:51

Kids faces zoom; ghost boy; boy takes ball

MUSIC:

SLIGHT PUNCTUATION ON KID’S FACES @ 00:44

 

 

3) THE CHASE

00:52-- 01:03

Kids faces angry; chase; aerial alley chase shot; side chase shot of kids


MUSIC:

PACEY, FAST CHASE MUSIC

RHYTHM STOPS AS KIDS STOP

 

 

4) GHOST BOY IN ALLEY

01:10 - 01:39

Zoom to ghost boy; kids’ faces; shots of ghost boy


MUSIC:

SPARSE, LIGHT, THIN.

 

5) GHOSTS

01:39- (01:42) – 01:47

Swirly shots; Ghosts appear


MUSIC:

SWIRLING, INTENSE, DISORIENTED

PUNCTUATE EACH OF THE 3 GHOSTS

STOP UMSIC OM SCREAM / RUN AWAY

 


6) FALLING MASKS

01:54 - 02:21

Ghosts;  Ghosts fade; masks fall; ball falls; ball past masks; ball down alley;  ball hits wall; fade


MUSIC:

SLOW, SAD, MELANCHOLY, LONELY

 


7) OUTRO CREDITS

02:22 – 02:45

Credits roll (43 seconds max.)

MUSIC:

RETURN TO “MAIN THEME” FOR DURATION OF CREDITS

 




Conditions for assessment


  • You must be observed undertaking this task by a qualified assessor
  • Your assessor will advise due date on Canvas
  • You must complete the task within the maximum allowed duration
  • This is an individual task that you must complete with minimal support from others (allowed support would be questions related to the location of equipment needed)
  • Please make arrangements with your assessor at least one week prior to the assessment due date if you feel you require special allowance or allowable adjustment to this task
  • You must complete all the actions as listed in the observation checklist to the standard described in Section B to be deemed satisfactory in this assessment
  • Please ensure your full and correct name is written on the student version of this assessment task (do not use nicknames, abbreviations or DJ names)
  • You will be assessed according to assessment rubric / marking sheet

Equipment/resources students must supply (if applicable):

Equipment/resources to be provided by RMIT or the workplace (if applicable):

Add equipment/resources here  e.g.

  • Personal Protective equipment
  • Tools (Computer & DAW if necessary)

Add equipment/resources here    e.g.

  • Computer and Internet access with Pro-Tool, Logic Pro & Ableton Live installed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment 5 - Review

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Task Number

 5 of 5

Task Name

Review

National unit/s code

CUASOU507

National unit/s title

Compile Music for Soundtracks

National Qualification code

CUA50815

National qualification title

Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

RMIT Program code

C5378

RMIT Course code

VART6472

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

You will complete and upload a short questionnaire

Task instructions

Review

You will complete and upload a short questionnaire

  • Conditions for assessment

    You will complete and upload a short questionnaire

  • Instructions on submitting assessments

    You will complete and upload a short questionnaire

    Criteria for assessment

    You will complete and upload a short questionnaire

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.  To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based aseesments are:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

Assessment matrices are stored centrally with program administration and available on request.

 

Other Information

N/A

Course Overview: Access Course Overview